n<n u 



-\ * 




o 



I CO***- ! 



u 




/rt^o'^ *vis 




BOOK OF PUBLIC PRAYER, 



COMPILED FEOM THE 



AUTHORIZED FORMULARIES OF WORSHIP 



PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 



AS PREPARED BY THE REFORMERS 



CALVIN, KNOX, BUCER, AND OTHERS. 



WITH SUPPLEMENTARY FORMS. 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY CHARLES SCRIBNER. 

37T & 379 BROADWAY. 
185 7. 






* 1 




0$ 



* 



% 



& 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by 

CHARLES SCRIBNER, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern 
District of New York. 












SEP 2JLL%1 

5 . 



STEREOTYPED BT 

Thomas B. Smith, 
82 k 84 Beekman Street. 



PRINTED BY 

R. Cbaighhad, 

53 Vesey St. 



CONTENTS 



PAGS 

Introduction ix. 

A Table of Portions of Holt Scripture 25 

The Order of Divine Service on the Lord's Day 21 

Morning Service 29 

Other Forms for the Morning Service ■. . 43 

Evening Service 64 

Other Forms for the Evening Service 13 

The Manner of Celebrating the Sacrament of the Lord's 

Supper 81 

Other Forms for the Celebration of the same 105 

The Form of Administering the Sacrament of Baptism. 129 

Other Forms of Administering the same 141 

The Form of Administering the Sacrament of Baptism to 

Adult Persons 160 

The Form for the Admission of Baptized Persons to the Table 

of the Lord 164 

Occasional Offices , 113 

The Order of Service for a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and 

Prayer 115 



iv Contents. 

PAGB 

The Order of Service for a Day of Public Thanksgiving 184 

The Office for the Confirmation of Marrriage 191 

The Burial of the Dead 19*7 

Public Discipline, Ordination, etc 215 

The Form of Public Excommunication 21*7 

The Porm of Public Eepentance 221 

The Form for Ordaining Elders and Deacons 225 

The Form for Ordaining Ministers of the "Word of God 234 

The Form for the Installation of a Pastor 248 

The Office for the Dedication of a Church 253 

Scriptural and other Occasional Praters 259 

Scriptural Prayers 261 

A Comprehensive Prayer, chiefly in the "Words of Scripture. 278 

Sundry Occasional Prayers 295 

The Morning Prayer 295 

The Evening Prayer. 29*7 

A Short Prayer for all Men 298 

A Prayer for Pardon and Help 299 

A Prayer in Time of Discord 300 

A Prayer at the Opening of a Church Court 301 

A Prayer for Sick Persons 302 

The same 303 

For a Sick Child 305 

For a Person under Affliction 306 

For Rain 306 

For Fair Weather 307 

For Peace 30S 

In Time of Pestilence 308 

For the Absent from Home 309 

A Thanksgiving for Rain 309 

A Thanksgiving for Fair "Weather 310 



Contents. t 

PAGH 

A Thanksgiving for Harvest 310 

A Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Pestilence 311 

A Thanksgiving for a Safe Return Home 312 

A Prayer to be used at Sea 312 

A Prayer for the President of the United States, and all in 

Civil Authority 314 

The Collects 315 

Appendix — Notes 349 



/ 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



rpHE chief purposes contemplated in the present publica- 
tion, are briefly as follows : 

1. To furnish Ministers of the Gospel, and those who, 
in Theological Seminaries, are preparing for the Ministry, 
with models of Public Devotion, approved and recom- 
mended by the Church, that may facilitate that study of 
" the best writers on the subject," which is enjoined by the 
Directory of Worship, upon all who lead in the public 
offices of religion. 

2. To provide laymen, who, in remote and destitute 
settlements, may be called upon, in the absence of Minis- 
ters, to conduct religious exercises, with such aids as they 
naturally require. 

3. To supply a deficiency long felt and frequently ac- 
knowledged, in the case of Chaplains in the Army and 
Navy, and persons officiating from time to time on board 
the vessels of our merchant service ; many of whom, for 
want of such assistance as this volume is designed to 
afford, have been led to adopt forms of worship peculiar 
to other denominations. 



viii Advertisement. 

4. It is also believed, that the wide circulation of sucli 
a Book of Public Devotions, among the laity of the Church, 
would tend to promote a deeper interest in the services of 
the Sanctuary, and a more correct appreciation of the 
dignity and value of the ministrations of God's House, 
than at present prevail. 

On the other hand, it need scarcely be added, that no 
thought is entertained of seeking for this or any other 
Form of Worship an adoption by ecclesiastical courts, that 
would impose it upon the churches for compulsory ob- 
servance. The authorship of these forms, and the frequent 
sanction bestowed upon them in former times by the 
Church, sufficiently authorize that free consultation and 
voluntary use, which are all that is expected or desired in 
their behalf. 



INTRODUCTION. 

rpHE Churches of the Reformed or Presbyterian family, 
while giving less prominence to the subject of ritual- 
ism than some other Protestant denominations, have never 
been justly open to the charge of neglecting the decency 
and order of God's House. In their Liturgies, and Di- 
rectories of Worship, they have at all times made full 
provision for the due performance of public religious 
rites. It is true that the formularies prepared with this 
view, have constituted a class by themselves, with char- 
acteristics entirely their own. On this account, they have 
been generally overlooked by those who have searched 
for any thing like the ancient and prescriptive rituals 
that exist in the prelatic Churches. 

The peculiarities that so distinguish the Presbyterian 
Liturgies, relate to Lieir structure, derivation, and mode 
of observance. The rituals of the Lutheran and Aug- 
lican Churches consist of rr Aerials that claim a remote 
antiquity, having been handed down through Roman 
and Oriental channels, from a period prior to the Ref- 
ormation. But the Reformed worship, . in connection 
with that doctrinal system to which it is allied, is con- 

1* 



x Introduction. 

structed upon elements purely Scriptural ; and so far as 
it is of human composition, asserts for itself no authorship 
more ancient than that of the Divines of the Sixteenth Cen- 
tury. The former, to some extent, follow the complicated 
and involved arrangement of the mediaeval type; while 
the latter is distinguished by a natural and logical 
order, and extreme simplicity of style. And lastly, these 
forms of service differ from such as are more ceremonial 
and more ancient, by the fact that they are not set 
forth for constant repetition; but leave to the officiating 
minister a wide freedom of omission or interpolation, 
according to the exigencies of the occasion; and bind 
him only to a general conformity with the method laid 
down. 

That these peculiarities characterize, almost without 
exception, the numerous formularies of worship existing 
in the various branches of the Presbyterian Church, 
would be unaccountable but for the fact of their com- 
mon origin. The master-mind to whom that Church is 
indebted for the new statement of her apostolic discip- 
line and doctrine, elaborated also a pattern of public 
prayer for the celebration of ecclesiastical ordinances, 
closely framed upon the teachings of that Divine Eule, 
whence he derived every other part of the grand 
s}'stem to which his name has been affixed. The Di- 
vines of other Reformed countries appear, without ma- 
terial deviation, to have copied the forms of worship 
established at Geneva by Calvin. 

The Reformed worship was inaugurated at Geneva in 



Introduction. xi 

the year 1535, when the reformer Farel introduced the 
Protestant doctrines into the pulpit of the cathedral of 
that city, and began to celebrate the ordinances of re- 
ligion in the vulgar tongue. It was more properly, how- 
ever, in the year 1543, that Calvin, upon his return from 
Strasburg, commenced the use of a liturgy, which he 
had prepared during his banishment, and which was 
now set forth as the general order of Divine service. 
From that time to the present, it has continued in con- 
stant observance, and though unfortunately subjected to 
some modifications, suiting it to the loose doctrines 
which of late years have been preached in the pulpit 
of Calvin, that liturgy may now be heard substantially 
the same in all the churches of the city and canton of 
Geneva. 

The Reformed Churches of France received, in the year 
1559, not only the Confession of Faith, and the Form of 
Discipline, which at their solicitation had been drawn up 
for them by the great theologian of Geneva, but also the 
Form of Church Prayers and Administration of Sacra- 
ments, prepared by him. These were forthwith adopted 
by enactment of the National Synod, and made binding 
upon all the ministers of the Reform in France. Can- 
didates for the sacred office were required to give their 
signature to an engagement of adherence to this estab- 
lished order. And in the subsequent conventions of 
that highest ecclesiastical body, until dissolved one hun- 
dred years after by the persecuting government, pro- 
vision continued to be made for the careful and univer- 



xii Introduction. 

sal maintenance of that form of worship which had 
been found so conducive to the edification and comfort 
of believers. 

The Waldenses of Piedmont, representing a race that 
for centuries had contended for the apostolic faith and 
discipline, sent, in the sixteenth century, their delegates 
to the newly-Reformed Churches of Switzerland, for the 
purpose of ascertaining more definitely the nature of their 
movement, and giving their adhesion to an evangelical 
system of truth. These primitive Christians accepted as 
their own the Confession of Faith established by Calvin ; 
and they likewise adopted the Reformed Liturgy, which 
they have continued to use down to the present day. 
Within a few years, to render more perfect the uniformity 
of their worship, they have re-moulded the four or five 
slightly-differing formularies in vogue among them, as 
received from other Presbyterian Churches, and have set 
forth a revised ritual, under the title of " The Liturgy of 
the Evangelical Church of the Valleys." 

In Holland, as early as 1566, the Liturgy of Calvin, 
after various modifications, came into general use. It 
was in 1574, however, that a decree of the Synod of 
Holland and Zealand established it as the universal order 
of worship. Though differing more than any other of the 
Reformed rituals from the original, this liturgy will yet 
be seen, by its general structure and pervading ideas, to 
belong to the same category, and derive its characteristic 
features from the same source. It has been in prevalent 
use, since its promulgation, among all the Churches of 



Introduction. 



xin 



the Netherlands. The forms for the ordinary services of 
worship have in part become obsolete ; but the more 
essential offices of Communion, Baptism, and Ordination, 
are still celebrated both in the mother country and in her 
colonial possessions of South Africa and the East Indies, 
as well as in the United States. 

The German Reformed Churches of the Palatinate pro- 
mulgated, in the year 1563, that admirable system of doc- 
trine which has been called, from the city where it was 
prepared, the "Heidelberg Catechism." At the same 
period the Divines of that city introduced the Reformed 
worship, corresponding substantially with the forms of the 
Walloon and other Calvinistic Churches. The variation 
from the Genevan ritual is but slight. 

The Evangelical Churches in the French-speaking can- 
tons of Switzerland have adopted, with various alterations, 
the Liturgy of Geneva. The most interesting aspect un- 
der which this ritual has been presented among those 
Churches, is the very beautiful formulary prepared in the 
early part of the last century, for the Church of Neuchatel. 
Founded upon the old established service-book of Calvin, 
it embodies many remarkable improvements, conceived in 
the purest devotional spirit, and arranged with marked 
discrimination. This formulary has been partially made 
known in America, by means of a very imperfect transla- 
tion, now used at the Huguenot Church in Charleston, 
South Carolina. It is not generally know r n, however, that 
this excellent work was the production of the famous John 
Frederic Ostervald, the learned and pious theologian of 



xiv Introduction. 

Neuchatel, the translator and commentator of the French 
Bible. Published first in 1713, this liturgy has been in 
use ever since, among the churches of that canton of 
Switzerland. 

We come now to speak of the action of that Church 
from which, more immediately, our own branch of Presby- 
terianism has sprung, with reference to a provision for the 
public ordinances of religion. It was in 1559 that John 
Knox, returning from an exile spent chiefly in the city 
of Geneva, at the feet of his friend and teacher, Calvin, 
brought with him to Scotland a version of the Genevan 
Liturgy. He had already been in the habit of using it 
as the order of worship among the English congregations 
in that city. This form of service he at once submitted 
to the General Assembly for adoption ; and, by order of 
that supreme ecclesiastical authority, it was commanded 
to be printed, being "thought necessary and profitable 
for the Church." In 1560 it was directed that "the 
Sacraments should be administered" after the " Book of 
our Common Order ;" and again, that " a uniform order 
should be kept in the ministration of the sacraments, &c, 
according to the Kirk of Geneva." The formulary thus 
adopted, continued in more or less extensive use until the 
period of the Assembly of Divines, who met at West- 
minster in the year 1643, for the purpose of preparing a 
common Confession of Faith, Order of Discipline, and 
Form of Worship for the Churches of Great Britain. 

The enactments of the Church of Scotland, during the 
period of her freedom from the yoke of Prelacy, were 



Introduction. xv 

very explicit in relation to her adopted and prescribed 
forms of worship. We find them referred to, again and 
again, in the proceedings of the General Assemblies. It 
was ordered that no alterations or additions be made in 
the established forms ; that readers be required to confine 
themselves to the appointed modes of prayer ; that minis- 
ters provide themselves with that Order in prayer and ad- 
ministration of sacraments. The same formulary was, in 
1567, by order of the Assembly, translated into Gaelic, 
for the use of the northern Churches. In 1620, a Scottish 
clergyman speaks of it as the only " warrantable form 
directed or approven by the Kirk," and habitually used. 
It is stated by a contemporary writer, that as late as 1648, 
the Knoxian Liturgy continued to be the common ritual 
of the Church. 

The laws of the Church of Scotland, on this subject, 
have never been repealed ; nor has any rejection of this 
ancient Presbyterian Liturgy occurred in her legislation. 
It has never, indeed, appeared that there even existed a dis- 
position to cast aside these forms, of which various editions 
were published — undoubtedly in accordance with the de- 
mands of the Church — down to the very year in which 
the Assembly at Westminster commenced its sittings. 

It may seem to militate against this view of the high 
esteem in which, thus far, the Book of Common Order was 
held, that the Westminster Assembly should have pro- 
mulgated a new form of worship, which at once superseded 
the use of the older one. But, taking into consideration 
the project with which the transactions of that body were 



xvi Introduction". 

connected, it is easy to conceive that this change should 
have been made, and concurred in by the Church of Scot- 
land, in hope of the benefits of an extensive agreement and 
conformity, to be realized upon the adoption of an entirely 
new platform. This project of a " Uniformity in Religion" 
was divulged in the Solemn League and Covenant, agreed 
upon in 1543 by commissioners of the Church of Scot- 
land, and by the Parliament and the Assembly of Divines 
in England, and afterward subscribed by great numbers 
of the people of both countries. One of the articles of that 
document binds the subscribers to " endeavour to bring 
the Churches of God, in the three kingdoms, to the nearest 
conjunction and uniformity in religion, confession of faith, 
form of Church government, directory for worship, and 
catechising." 

A little before the meeting of the Assembly, in 1641, the 
Scottish Book of Common Order was reprinted at London, 
in abridged form, and " presented to the most high court 
of Parliament." A second edition of this work appeared 
during the session of that body, in 1643, with a similar 
dedication. There can be little doubt that these reprints 
were procured with a view to the adoption of the Scottish 
formulary by Parliament, as the established order of wor- 
ship under the new state of things. Such probably was 
also the design of " The new Book of Scotland," issued in 
1644 ; another synopsis of Knox's Liturgy. And al- 
though, from the fact that the records of the Assembly 
have been destroyed, it is difficult to trace the influences 
that may have operated in the preparation of the new 



Introduction. xvii 

Directory, there are plentiful evidences in that work itself, 
that the old liturgy was not ignored or rejected by its 
framers ; nay, that it was to be, to some extent at least, 
incorporated with the Assembly's book. We find pas- 
sages where even the language of Knox's ritual is pre- 
served ; while the method is almost always the same.* 

Here the record of Presbyterian usage, in the matter of 
written forms of worship, must end. From the statements 
that have been made, it will be seen, that this historic 
testimony of the Church stands unmistakably in favor of 
a discretionary use of the " best helps" that can be ob- 
tained for the performance of Divine services. At the 
time of the Reformation, each of the various national 
branches of Presbyterianism adopted a liturgy. To this 
fact, there is not a solitary exception. And further, with 
but one exception, each of the national Presbyterian 
Churches of Europe has retained, down to the present 
day, with greater or less modification, its particular lit- 
urgy. The Church of Scotland, which for a hundred 
years had preserved these written forms, finally laid them 
aside, not of her own choice and preference, but in con- 
cession to a plan of uniformity with other Churches, in the 
use of a common Directory for Worship. 

The adoption of a liturgy is peculiarly consonant 
with the spirit and usage of the Presbyterian Church. 
That a body, characterized by strict and scrupulous ad- 
herence to established formulas of doctrine and discipline, 
should make full provision for the proper celebration of 
* See Appendix. 



xviii Introduction. 

worship, appears most suitable and natural. And although, 
in the Church of Scotland, bitter enmity to forms of 
prayer has long existed, arising out of arbitrary attempts 
to enforce an obnoxious liturgy, in times of civil commo- 
tion, there has never been a single enactment of our 
Church to forbid or condemn the introduction or revival of 
this her former practice. It is a fact of no little meaning, 
that when the Presbyterian Church in this country was 
organized on a national basis, there was a proposal, on 
the part of influential Divines, to introduce a discretionary 
form of public prayer. Such a form was prepared, print- 
ed, and presented for approval to the Synod, by a com- 
mittee duly appointed, and was advocated by some of the 
most distinguished ministers of the period, among others, 
by the late venerable Ashbel Green, D.D. In the present 
volume, some extracts from that work will be found. 

We pass from this survey of the history of the Re- 
formed Liturgies, to a brief examination of their structure. 
Modelled after no complicated forms produced by slow 
accumulation in previous ages, this order of worship is at 
once distinguished for the simplicity and the logical per- 
fection of its arrangement. A sentence of Invocation, upon 
the utterance of which the people rise, begins the ordinary 
service of the Lord's Day. The Law is then rehearsed ; 
and the worshipper, having heard its requirements, is in- 
vited to draw near, and acknowledge his sins before God. 
Then the Gospel declaration of forgiveness is announced, 
for the comfort of the contrite believer. This penitential 
office is preliminary and preparatory to the act of Praise 



Introduction. xix 

and Adoration, which is performed by the entire congrega- 
tion, in the choral singing of the Psalm. Next, the Scrip- 
tures are read,* out of both Testaments ; after which, the 
minister offers up a prayer for illumination in the study of 
God's Word. To this he adds any special supplication, 
growing out of the subject of discourse, or otherwise appro- 
priate, concluding with a general Thanksgiving and the 
Lord's Prayer. The Sermon (preceded by a hymn) stands 
in connection with the reading of Scripture, of which it is 
properly an exposition ; and with the prayer for illumina- 
tion, which has reference to this exercise of meditation 
upon the Word of God. It is followed by the Prayer of 
Intercession, the highest act of the believer's worship, 
and that in which, so to speak, he ventures nearest to the 
Throne of Grace. This, with the Creed and Benediction, 
closes the ordinary service, when the Lord's Supper is not 
celebrated. Thus, entering the Divine Presence with invoca- 
tion, hearkening to the commandments of the Law, joining 
in the confession of sins, and receiving the Gospel assur- 

* In the Genevan Liturgy, this reading of Scripture forms an 
introductory part of Divine Service, and precedes the Law and con- 
fession of sins. But that arrangement, it was justly remarked by the 
Divines of Neuchatel, in their admirable revision of the old Liturgy, 
was open to practical objections, and was a deviation from the 
known custom of the Primitive Church, where the reading of Scrip- 
ture was always closely followed by the preaching. " It is by these 
reasons that the leaders of the churches of this State have thought 
themselves indispensably obliged to restore the reading of the Word 
of God in their service." We may add, that all the Eeformed 
Churches of Great Britain and this country, have, in this respect, 
improved upon the Genevan practice ; for the reading of Scripture 
constitutes with them a central feature of Divine worship. 



xx Introduction. 

ance of forgiveness : the believer has been prepared to 
offer up the sacrifice of song ; " My lips shall utter praise, 
when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes." Next, implor- 
ing Divine help in the study of the Word, he listens to its 
announcement ; and then, approaching with enlarged de- 
sires the mercy-seat, he urges his requests in behalf of the 
Universal Church, and of all mankind ; and finally, joins in 
that common profession of belief, whereby the Church of 
all ages declares her oneness in the faith of the Gospel. 

But the cumulative order of this service would be mani- 
festly incomplete, without some reference to the Sacrament 
of the Lord's Supper. That ordinance, in the Primitive 
Church, was undoubtedly celebrated upon every Lord's 
Day ; and whatever offices of praise and prayer accom- 
panied it, had in view this celebration as the chief part 
of Divine service. In the Reformed Worship, not less 
distinctly than elsewhere, we find the allusion to this fact 
preserved. The Intercessory Prayer that succeeds the 
Sermon, is designed to be followed immediately by the 
Exhortation before the Communion ; and in contemplation 
of this crowding ordinance, remembrance is made in that 
prayer of all the scattered members of the body of Christ. 
This was customary among the early Christians : who, in 
their weekly observance of the sacred Feast, offered up like 
supplications for the necessities of the Church, and for 
all mankind. The analogy to this custom is maintained 
in our service, not only by the location of the Intercessory 
Prayer, in which the ordinary service culminates, but also 
by a particular clause inserted in the last petition. Nor is 



Introduction. xxi 

it less observable in the tenderness and fervency of that 
prayer, increasing with each request presented, for the 
several classes of men, for the ministry and the Church, 
for those in affliction, for persecuted Christians ; and end- 
ing with a subdued acknowledgment of guilt, and pro- 
fession of surrender to the service of God. It is well 
known that our Reformers, while acquiescing in the prac- 
tice of celebrating the Lord's Supper only at intervals 
of several months, regarded this as a defect of the times, 
and strongly recommended a return to the primitive usage 
of frequent communion. 

Considering, therefore, the Communion as the natural 
and necessary consummation of the Order of Divine Wor- 
ship, we proceed to a brief analysis of that Office. It 
begins with a prayer, which indeed is only a conclusion 
to the General Intercession, but which may properly be 
separated from it by the singing of a sacramental hymn. 
Then the words of the Institution arc read, from 1 Co- 
rinthians, xi. ; and a short address is made, setting forth 
the nature of the ordinance, and inviting to participation. 
Proceeding from this preparatory service to the adminis- 
tration, the minister offers up the Consecrating Prayer, 
and utters the sacramental words, while breaking tbe 
bread and pouriDg out the wine. In the distribution of 
the Elements, appropriate sentences of Scripture are re- 
peated ; and, after the Thanksgiving, an offering of alms 
for the poor is made, when the service ends with a hymn 
and the Benediction.* 

* The hymn universally sung in the continental Churches, on this 
occasion, is a paraphrase of the song of Simeon, Luke, ii. 29-32. 



xxii Introduction. 

We can not more fitly end this examination of the 
Eeformed service, than in the words of Calvin, as trans- 
lated by his disciple, John Knox : " If so be that any 
would marvel why we follow rather this order than any 
other, in the administration of this Sacrament, let him 
diligently consider that, first of all, ive utterly renounce 
the error of the Papists. Secondly, we restore unto the 
Sacrament its own substance, and to Christ His proper 
place. And as for the words of the Lord's Supper, we 
rehearse them, not because they should change the sub- 
stance of the bread or wine, or that the repetition 
thereof, with the intent of the sacrificer, should make the 
Sacrament (as the Papists falsely believe) ; but they are 
read and pronounced to teach us how to behave ourselves 
in that action ; and that Christ might witness unto our 
faith, as it were, with His own mouth, that He hath or- 
dained these signs to our spiritual use and comfort. We 
do first, therefore, examine ourselves, according to St. 
Paul's rule, and prepare our minds, that we may be wor- 
thy partakers of so high mysteries. Then, taking bread, 
we give thanks, break, and distribute it, as Christ our 
Saviour hath taught us. Finall} T , the administration ended, 
we give thanks again, according to His example. So 
that without His Word and warrant, there is nothing in 
this holy action attempted." 

The present work is a compilation from the Liturgies 
which were prepared by Calvin, Knox, Bucer, and other 
Divines of the Reformed Church, and which have been 



Introduction. xxiii 

adopted in the various branches of that Church on the 
continent of Europe, and in Great Britain. The Liturgy 
of Calvin, being the original formulary upon which all the 
others were draughted, is taken as the basis for the ordi- 
nary services of Divine Worship and the Administration of 
the Sacraments. Selections from other forms are ap- 
pended to each of these Offices, for alternate use or occa- 
sional substitution. The Directory of Worship of the 
Presbyterian Church is quoted wherever appropriate, for 
the exhibition of the manner of performing these services ; 
and the more essential parts are given in full, designated 
by marks of quotation. A collection of Scriptural prayers, 
and of prayers from other sources, adapted to special occa- 
sions, concludes the work. The attempt has thus been 
made to place within the reach of the ministers and laity 
of the Presbyterian Church a complete arrangement of the 
various forms of worship instituted by her authority, for 
the proper discharge of the solemn duties of the sanctuary. 



A TABLE 

OF 

PORTIONS OP HOLY SCRIPTURE 
TO BE READ IN PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



Beading of the Word in the Congregation, being part of the Public Worship 
of God, wherein we acknowledge our dependence upon Him and subjection to 
Hiin, and one means sanctified by Him for the edifying of His people, is to be 
performed by the Pastor and teacher. 

How large a portion shall be read at once, is left to the wisdom of the Min- 
ister ; but it is convenient that ordinarily one chapter of each Testament be 
read at every meeting; and sometimes more, where the chapters be short, or 
the coherence of matter requireth it. 

It is requisite that all the Canonical Books be read over in order, that the 
people may be better acquainted with the whole body of the Scriptures: and 
ordinarily, where the reading in either Testament endeth on one Lord's Day, 
it is to begin the next. 

Directory for Worsliip, ~by the Westminster Divines : § 2, 



The following order has been prepared to facilitate selection. 



Morning Service. 



Evening Service. 



Bun- 
days. 


First Portion. 


Second. 


First Portion. 




Second. 


1 Gen. i. 


John i. 1-1S. 


Isa. 


i. 1-20. 


Acts 


ii. 1-21. 


2 


ii. 


Luke i. 26-56. 




ii. 




ii. 22-47. 


3 


iii. 


Matt. i. 




v. 1-17. 




vi. 


4 


vi. 


Luke ii. 1-20. 




vi. 




ix. 1-22, 


5 


vii. 


Matt. ii. 




vii. 10-25. 




xi. 1-18. 


6 


viii. 


John i. 19-51. 




ix. 




xv i. 14-40. 


7 


ix. 1-19. 


Matt. iv. 




xi. 




xxvi. 


S 


xii. 


John iii. 1-21. 




XXV. 


Bom 


i. 1-25. 


9 


xxii. 


John iv. 1-20. 




xxvi. 




iv. 


10 


xxviii. 


Luke iv. 16-37. 




XXXV. 




v. 


11 


xxxvii. 1-28 


Luke v. 1-26. 




xxxviii. 




vi. 


12 


xlii. 1-23. 


John v. 19-47. 




xl. 




vii. 


13 


xliii. 


Matt. xii. 1-21. 




xii. 




viii 



26 



A TABLE 



Mokning Service. 




Evening Service. 


|™" First Portion. Second. 


First Portion. 


Second. 


14 Gen. xlv. 


Matt. v. 1-20. 


Isa. 


xlii. 


Eom. 


xii. 


15 xlvi. 1-7 ; 


Matt. vi. 1-18. 




xliii. 




xv. 1-18. 


28-34; and 


1 










xlvii. 1-12. 












16 xlviii. 


Matt. vi. 19-34. 




xliv. 


ICor. 


i. 1-25. 


IT xlix. 


Matt. vii. 




xlv. 




ii. 


IS Ex. ii. 


Matt. xi. 




xlviii. 




iii. 


19 iii. 


Matt. xii. 1-21. 




xlix. 




xii. 


20 v. 


Matt. xiii. 1-30. 




Ii. 




xiii. 


21 xii. 1-36. 


Matt. xiii. 33-5S. 




Iii. 




xiv. 1-20. 


22 xiv. 


Matt. ix. 18-8S. 




liii. 




xv. 1-20. 


23 xv. 


Matt. x. 1-20. 




liv. 




xv. 21-58. 


24 xvi. 1-19. 


Matt. xiv. 14-36. 




Iv. 


2 Cor. 


iv. 


25 xl. 17-33. 


John vi. 35-59. 




lviii. 




v. 


26 Deuti. 19-46. 


Matt. xvi. 




lix. 




vi. 


27 iv. 23-40. 


Matt. xvii. 1-21. 




Ix. 


Gal. 


iii. 


28 ix. 


Matt, xviii. 1-20. 




lxi. 


Eph. 


i. 


29 xviii. 


Luke x. 1-24 




Ixii. 




ii. 


30 xxxiii. 


John vii. 14-31. 




lxiii. 




iii. 


31 Josh. iii. 


John vii. 32-52. 




lxiv. 




iv. 


32 vii. 


Luke x. 25^12. 




lxv. 




v. 


33 xxiv. 1-25 


, Luke xi. 1-13. 


Jer. 


xiv. 7-22. 


Philip 


. ii. 1-18. 


34 Judg.ii. 


Luke xii. 1-21. 




xvii. 5-27. 


Col. 


iii. 


35Kuthi. 


Luke xii. 22-48. 




xxxi. 1-20. 


IThes 


. v. 


361Sam.iii. 


John ix. 1-25. 




xxxiii. 1-16. 


2Thes 


. ii. 


37 xii. 


John x. 1-18. 


Lam. 


iii. 22-59. 


Heb. 


i. 


38 xv. 1-23. 


John xi. 19-46. 


Ezek. i. 




ii. 


39 xvi. 1-13. 


John xii. 12-36. 




X. 




iii. 


40 2 Sam. vii. 


John xiii. 




xxxiii. 1-20. 




iv. 


41 xii. 1-23. 


John xiv. 




xxxiv. 11-31 




X. 


42 1 Ki. iii. 1-15. 


John xv. 




xxxvii. 1-14 




xi. 


43 vi. 11-33. 


John xvi. 




xliii. 1-12. 




xii. 


44 ix. 1-14. 


John xvii. 




xlvii. 1-12. 


James 


ii. 


45 xvii. 


. John xviii. 1-27. 


Dan. 


iii. 


IPet. 


ii. 


46 xviii. 17-46.Luke xxiii. 1-25. 




vi. 


1 John 


v. 


47 xix. 


Luke xxiii. 26-49. 




ix. 


Eevel, 


. i. 


4S 2 Ki. ii. 


John xix. 25-42. 


Amos v. 1-15. 




iii. 


49 v. 1-19. 


John xx. 1-18. 


Mic. 


iv. 




v. 


50 2 Ch. xxxvi. 1-21 .Luke xxiv. 13-35. 




vi. 




xix. 


51 Neh. viii. 


John xx. 19-31. 


Hab. 


iii. 




XX. 


52 Job i. 


John xxi. 


Zech 


. xiii. 




xxi. 


53 xlii. 


Acts i. 1-14. 


Mai. 


iii. 




xxii. 



THE 



ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE 



FOR 



THE LORD'S DAY. 



\ LMIGHTY GOD, who of Thy 
■"■ great mercy hast gathered us 
into Thy visible Church : Grant that 
we may not swerve from the purity 
of Thy worship ; but so honour Thee 
both in spirit and in outward forms, 
that Thy Name in us may be glorified, 
and we be indeed the members of 
Thine Only-begotten Son. And as 
He hath sanctified Himself for our 
sakes, may we through His Spirit be 
made partakers of the same sanctifi- 
cation : Until at length He shall bring 
as into His heavenly Kingdom, which 
He hath purchased for us with His 
own blood. Amen. 

Calvin. 



THE 

ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE 



ON 



THE MORNING OF THE LORD'S DAY. 



The congregation being assembled, let the Minister begin with one or more 
of these sentences of 

INVOCATION. 

r\UR help is in the Name of the Lord, who made 
^ heaven and earth. 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of 
my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, Lord, my 
Strength and my Redeemer. 

send out Thy light and Thy truth : let them lead 
me : let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to 
Thy tabernacles: then will I go unto the altar of 
God, unto God my exceeding joy. 

1 will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence 
cometh my help : my help cometh from the Lord, 
which made heaven and earth. 



30 Order of Divine Service 

Then let, him rehearse the Ten Commandments of 
THE LAW. 

A ND God spake all these words, saying, I am the 
-"■*- Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of 
the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, 
or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, 
or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water 
under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself to 
them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a 
jealous Gocl, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon 
the children unto the third and fourth generation of 
them that hate me ; and showing mercy unto thousands 
of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 

Thou shalt not take the ISTame of the Lord thy God 
in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that 
taketh His Name in vain. 

Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six 
days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work : but the 
seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it 
thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy 
daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 31 

thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : 
for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the 
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh 
day : wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and 
hallowed it. 

Honour thy father and thy mother : that thy days 
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God 
giveth thee. 

Thou shalt not kill. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Thou shalt not steal. 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh- 
bour. 

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou 
shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man- 
servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, 
nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. 

TTEAR also the Summary of the Law by our Lord 
-*--*- Jesus Christ. 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 
This is the first and great commandment. And the 
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour 



32 Order of Divine Sekvice. 

as thyself. On these two commandments hang all 
the Law and the Prophets. 

RESPONSE, 
To be said or sung by the congregation. 

rp.HE Lord our God be with us : let Him not leave 
-*- us nor forsake us : that He may incline our hearts 

unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His 

commandments. 



I 



invitation. 

Then let the Minister say: 

F we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 
and the truth is not in us. 

And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the 
Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. 

Let us therefore draw near with an humble and 
penitent heart, and acknowledge our sins before God. 

CONFESSION OF SIN. 

A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God ! we acknowledge 
-*--*- and confess, before Thy holy Majesty, that we 
are poor, miserable sinners, conceived and born in in- 
iquity, prone to evil, unable of ourselves to do any 
good ; and that by continual transgression of Thy holy 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 33 

commandments, we have incurred Thy righteous sen- 
tence of condemnation and death. But, Lord ! we 
do repent, and are sorry for our offences ; we condemn 
ourselves and our iniquities, with true penitence, be- 
seeching Thee by Thy grace to help our infirmities. 
Have mercy upon us, God ! Father of mercies ! for 
the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Blot out our sins ; pardon all our transgressions ; 
and increase daily within us the gifts of Thy Holy 
Spirit : to the end that we, acknowledging with all our 
hearts our own unrighteousness, may be touched with 
lively sorrow; and being dead unto sin, may bring 
forth those fruits of righteousness and holiness, which 
are well-pleasing unto Thee : Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. 

Here, and at the end of all other prayers, let the congregation say, Amen. 
Then let the Minister add: 

TEAR now the gracious words of our Lord Jesus 
-*"*- Christ, unto all that truly repent and turn to 
Him: 

God so loved the world, that He gave His Only- 
Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should 

not perish, but have everlasting life. 

2* 



34 Order of Divine Service. 

Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. 

Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accep- 
tation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save 
sinners. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you 
all. Amen. 

[Here may follow the reading of a selection from the Psalms, by the Minister 
and congregation alternately, where such is the practice.] 

Then the singing of a 

PSALM, 

or Hymn, of Praise and Thanksgiving. "The whole congregation should be 
furnished with books, and ought to join in this part of service." Next the 



out of the Old and New Testaments. "How large a portion shall be read at 
once, is left to the wisdom of the Minister : but it is convenient that ordinarily 
one chapter of each Testament be read at every meeting; and sometimes 
more, when the chapters are short, or the coherence of matter requireth it." 
[See the Table of Portions of Scripture to be read in Public Worship.] 
"The Minister may, when he thinks it expedient, expound any part of what 
is read : always having regard to the time, that neither reading, singing, pray- 
ing, preaching, nor any other ordinance, be disproportionate the one to the 
other, nor the wbole rendered too short or too tedious." 

Then let the Minister offer up a prayer of 

SUPPLICATION AND THANKSGIVING. 

1/TOST Gracious God, our Heavenly Father! in 
- I "- i - whom alone dwelleth all the fulness of light and 



MOENING OF THE LORD'S DAY. 35 

wisdom : Illumine our minds, we beseech Thee, by Thy 
Holy Spirit, in the true understanding of Thy Word. 
Give us grace to receive it with reverence and humility 
unfeigned. May it lead us to put our whole trust in 
Thee alone : and so to serve and honour Thee, that we 
may glorify Thy Name, and edify our neighbours by 
our godly example. And since Thou art pleased 
to number us among Thy people, enable and dispose 
us to pay Thee the love and homage that we owe, as 
children to our Father, and as servants to our Lord. 

Here may be introduced whatever special matter of prayer shall be thought 
appropriate, -whether extemporaneous, or selected from the occasional prayers ; 
concluding with a general thanksgiving. 

TONOUR and praise be given to Thee, Lord God 
-*-*- Almighty, for all Thy mercy and loving-kindness 
shown unto us Thy people. We bless Thee for the 
goodness that freely chose us to salvation before the 
world began. We thank Thee for creating us after 
Thine own image; for redeeming us, when we were 
lost, with the precious blood of Christ ; for sanctifying 
us by Thy Spirit in the revelation and knowledge of 
Thy Word ; for Thy help and succour in our necessities, 
Thy fatherly comfort in our tribulations ; for saving 



36 Obder of Divine Service. 

us in dangers of body and soul, and giving us so large 
a time of repentance. These benefits, most Mer- 
ciful Father! we acknowledge to have received of 
Thy goodness alone ; and so do we implore Thy grace 
continually to augment our thankfulness toward Thee, 
kindling our hearts with pure and fervent love. Suffer 
us not to receive Thy Word in vain ; but graciously 
assist us always, in heart, word, and deed, to sanctify 
and worship Thy holy Name : Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

Then let the Minister and people say together 
. THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

/~\UR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

After this prayer, let a Hymn he sung hefore the 
SERMON. 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 37 

At the conclusion of which the following prayer, or to the like effect. 
INTERCESSION. 

A LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father ! Thou 
-*■-*- hast promised to grant the requests of those 
who approach Thee in the Name of Thy well-beloved 
Son; by whom also we are taught to assemble 
in His Name, assured that He will be present in 
our midst, and, by His intercession, obtain for us 
all things that we shall agree on earth to ask Thee. 
Wherefore, most gracious Father ! trusting in Thy 
blessed promise, we draw near unto Thee through 
Him; and earnestly pray Thee, for His sake, that 
Thou wilt of Thine infinite goodness freely pardon 
our offences ; and so attract and elevate our thoughts 
and desires unto Thyself, that we may with one 
heart call upon Thee for those things which are 
agreeable to Thy just and righteous will. 

f\ GOD ! who hast bidden us pray for those in au- 
^ thority among men : Bless, we entreat Thee, all 
rulers and magistrates, unto whom Thou hast commit- 
ted the administration of justice ; and especially Thy 
servants who bear rule in this land. May it please 
Thee daily to increase within them Thy good Spirit : 



38 Order of Divine Service. 

that with true faith acknowledging Jesus Christ Thy 
Son our Lord to be King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
unto whom Thou hast given all power in heaven and 
on earth, they may seek to honour Thee, and exalt Thy 
rule in their dominions ; and so govern their subjects, 
who are the creatures of Thy hand, and the sheep of 
Thy pasture, that as well here as throughout all the 
earth, Thy people being kept in peace and quiet, may 
serve Thee in all godliness and honesty 

A LMIGHTY Saviour ! We pray for all those whom 
■^--*- Thou hast appointed Pastors of Thy flock, and 
intrusted with the care of souls, and the dispensing of 
Thy holy Gospel. Guide them by Thy Spirit, that 
they may be found faithful Ministers of Thy glory. 
Let them ever hold this end in view : that all poor, 
wandering sheep may be gathered in, and made subject 
to the Lord Jesus Christ, the chief Shepherd and 
Bishop of souls ; to the end that they may daily ad- 
vance and grow up in Him, unto all righteousness and 
holiness. Deliver Thy Churches from corrupt and 
false teachers, who seek only their own glory and 
gain. 



MOKNING OF THE LORD'S DAY. 39 

"1 /TOST gracious God, Father of mercies ! We pray for 
- 1 -"-*- all mankind : that as Thou wouldst be acknow- 
ledged as the Saviour of the world, in the redemption 
wrought by Thy Son Jesus Christ, all those who are 
yet strangers to Him, in darkness and captivity to 
ignorance and error, may be led by the enlightening 
of Thy Spirit, and the preaching of Thy Gospel, into 
the way of salvation : which is, to know Thee, the 
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast 
sent. Grant also that those already visited with 
Thy grace may continually grow in all goodness, 
being enriched with Thy spiritual benedictions: to 
the end that we all, with one heart and one mouth, 
may worship Thee, giving homage and praise to Thy 
Christ, our Lord, Lawgiver, and King. 

f\ GOD of all Comfort ! "We commend to Thee those 
^ whom Thou art pleased to chasten with any cross 
or tribulation ; all people visited with pestilence, war, 
or famine ; all persons afflicted with poverty, imprison- 
ment, sickness, banishment, or other distress of body 
or trouble of mind : that it may please Thee to show 
them Thy fatherly kindness, chastening them for their 
profit, to the end that with their whole hearts they 



40 Order of Divine Service. 

may turn unto Thee, and being converted, receive 
perfect consolation, and deliverance from all their woes. 

A ND especially we commend to Thee our brethren, 
-*--*- who, being persecuted by the enemies of Thy 
Gospel, are deprived of the pasture of life, and the 
privilege of publicly calling upon Thy Name : That 
it may please Thee, Father of mercies ! to strengthen 
them by the grace of Thy Spirit, so that they may 
not faint, nor fall away, but may continue stedfast 
in Thy sacred calling. Succour them, help them, 
even as Thou knowest their need; console them in 
their trials, preserve them in Thy safe keeping, against 
the malice of their foes ; and augment in them all the 
gifts of Thy Spirit : that as well in life as in death 
they may glorify Thee. 

771 IN ALLY, God our Father ! Grant also unto us 
-*- who are here assembled in the Name of Thy 
Holy Child Jesus, to hear His Word [and to celebrate 
His Supper], that we may truly and unfeignedly ac- 
knowledge our lost estate by nature, and the con- 
demnation we deserve by disobedient lives. And 
conscious that in us there dwelleth no good, and that 



Morning of the Lord s Day. 41 

our flesh and blood cannot inherit Thy kingdom ; may 
we with entire confidence and pure affection give 
ourselves up to Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our Lord 
and only Saviour and Redeemer : that He, dwelling 
in us, may mortify all remaining sin, renewing us for 
that better life, where we shall perfectly praise and 
magnify Thy great and holy Name, world without 
end. Amen. 

Then let the Minister and people say together 
THE CREED. 

[" OKD, increase our faith. 
-*^ I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ His only 
Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy 
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pon- 
tius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; he de- 
scended into hell;* the third day He rose again from 
the dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the 
right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence 
He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I 
believe in the Holy Ghost ; the Holy Catholic Church, 
the communion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the 

* i. e., Continued in the state of the dead, and under the power of death, 
until the third day. 



42 Ordeb of Divine Service. 

resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. 
Amen. 

Then let a Hymn be sung, after which (when the Lord's Supper is not to be 
administered), the congregation shall be dismissed with the 

BENEDICTION. 

nnHE Lord bless thee, and keep thee : 
-*- The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and 
be gracious unto thee : 

The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and 
give thee peace. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be 
with you all. Amen. 



OTHER FORMS 



MORNING SERVICE ON THE LORD'S DAY. 



THE BEATITUDES, % 

To be sometimes read in place of the Law. 

/^iUR Lord Jesus Christ hath said, Blessed are the 
^ poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom of 
heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be 
comforted. 

Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the 
earth. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after 
righteousness : for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain 
mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see 
God. 

Blessed are the peace-makers : for they shall be 
called the children of God. 



44 Order of Divine Service. 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for right- 
eousness' sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 



G 



RESPONSE. 

OB be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause 
His face to shine upon us. 



To be sometimes read in place of the Law. 

TEAR the words of our Lord Jesus Christ : 
-*--*- Except your righteousness shall exceed the 
righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in 
no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is 
merciful. 

Love your enemies ; do good to them which hate 
you ; bless them that curse you ; and pray for them 
which despitefully use you. 

When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know 
what thy right hand doeth ; that thine alms may be in 
secret : and thy Father, which seeth in secret, Him- 
self shall reward thee openly. 

And when thou pray est, enter into thy closet, and 
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father 



MOENING OF THE LoED's DAY. 45 

which is in secret : and thy Father, which seeth in se- 
cret, shall reward thee openly. 

When thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy 
face ; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto 
thy Father which is in secret : and thy Father, which 
seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, 
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves 
break through and steal : 

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where 
thieves do not break through nor steal. For where 
your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? 
or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall 
we be clothed ? For your heavenly Father knoweth 
that ye have need of all these things. 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His 
righteousness ; and all these things shall be added 
unto you. 

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged ; condemn 
not, and ye shall not be condemned ; forgive, and ye 
shall be forgiven ; give, and it shall be given unto 
you. 



46 Order of Divine Service. 

Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye shall 
find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men 
should do to you, do ye even so to them : for this is 
the Law and the Prophets. 

response. 
rpHOU art my portion, Lord : I have said that I 
-*- would keep Thy words. 



CONFESSION of sin. 



I. 

(Invitation:} After those days, saith the Lord, I 
will put My laws into their mind, and write them in 
their hearts : and their sins and their iniquities will 
I remember no more. 

Having therefore this promise, dearly beloved, let 
us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of 
faith, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help 
in time of need. 

II /TOST Holy God ! who art of purer eyes than to 
behold iniquity, who condemnest the ungodly, 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 47 

impenitent, and unbelieving, but hast promised mercy 
through Jesus Christ unto all that repent and believe 
in Him : We confess that we were conceived in sin, 
and are by nature children of wrath, and have all 
sinned and come short of Thy glory. Thou hast re- 
vealed unto us Thy wonderful love in Christ, and of- 
fered us pardon and salvation in Him : but we have 
resisted Thy Spirit, and neglected so great salvation ; 
we have run into temptations ; and the sin we should 
have hated, we have committed in Thy sight, both se- 
cretly and openly, ignorantly and carelessly, rashly 
and presumptuously, against Thy promises, Thy mer- 
cies, and Thy judgments. Our transgressions are 
multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us ; 
if Thou deal with us as we deserve, Thou wilt cast us 
away from Thy sight' Have mercy upon us, God ! 
be reconciled unto us, and let the blood of Jesus 
Christ cleanse us from all our sins. Take us for Thy 
children, and give us the Spirit of Thy Son. Oh ! 
make Thy face to shine upon Thy servants ; save us 
from our sins, and from the wrath to come ; make us 
a peculiar people unto Thee, zealous of Thy praise. 
We ask it in the Name of our blessed and only Re- 
deemer. Amen. 



48 Order of Divine Service. 

ii. 

{Invitation :) If we confess our sins, He is faith- 
ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us 
from all unrighteousness. 

Let us therefore draw near with an humble and 
penitent heart, and acknowledge our sins before God. 

TT7"E are not worthy, Lord ! to come into Thy 
" " presence, by reason of our manifold offences. 
For we were conceived in sin, and in iniquity was 
every one of us born. All the days of our life we 
have continued to follow the corruption of our fleshly 
nature. If Thou, Lord, shouldst enter into judgment 
with Thy servants, just occasion hast Thou to punish 
not only this our mortal flesh, but our bodies and souls 
for ever. But Thou, Lord ! art a merciful God, a 
loving and favourable Father, to all that unfeignedly 
turn unto Thee from their sins. Wherefore we most 
humbly beseech Thee, for the sake of Christ, Thy 
Son, show Thy mercy upon us. Forgive us all our 
offences. Endue us with Thy Holy Spirit. Sanctify 
us wholly ; and grant us Thy grace, that in all the 
days of our lives hereafter, we may study to serve and 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 49 

please Thee, in word and in deed, through our only 
Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

hi. 

(Invitation:} Beloved, the Scriptures declare, He 
that covereth his sins shall not prosper ; but whoso 
confesseth and forsaketk them shall have mercy. 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of 
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to 
help in time of need. 

A LMIGHTY, Everlasting God ! Father of our 
-*--*- Lord Jesus Christ ! Creator of all things, 
Judge of all men ! We acknowledge and lament in 
Thy sight, that we were conceived and born in sin, and 
are prone to evil, and unfit for any good. "We have 
broken Thy holy law, times and ways without num- 
ber, by contempt of Thee and Thy Word, by distrust 
of Thy grace, and vain confidence in ourselves and in 
the world, by thoughts and works grievously offending 
Thy holy Majesty, and sinning against our neighbour. 
Thus have we buried ourselves more and more deeply 
in spiritual death. But we do earnestly repent, and 

are sorry for these our misdoings. Have. mercy upon 

3 



50 Order of Divine Service. 

us, most Gracious and Merciful Father, for the sake 
of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Forgive us all 
that is past. Grant Us and increase within us Thy 
Holy Spirit : who shall teach us penitently to ac- 
knowledge our sins, and being touched with lively sor- 
row, by true faith to obtain remission of them in 
Christ. So that daily dying unto sin, in newness of 
life we may serve and please Thee, to the glory of 
Thy Name and the edification of Thy Church : 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



thanksgiving. 



"JV/TOST Glorious God! Accept, through Thy be- 
J -*- L loved Son, our thanksgiving for Thine unspeak- 
able love and goodness. Thou art the Father of 
Mercies and the God of all Consolation, full of com- 
passion, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. 
For Thy glory Thou didst create us after Thine 
image ; and when we forsook Thee, Thou didst not 
leave us in the hands of death, but didst so love the 
world as to give Thy Son to be our Saviour. We 
thank Thee for His death, that saveth us from death, 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 51 

and for His life, that opened unto us the way to life. We 
thank Thee for the new and better Covenant ; for Thy 
great and precious promises ; that Thou hast given us 
eternal life in Christ ; that -we have the clear and sure 
revelation of Thy will in the Holy Scriptures ; that 
Thou hast founded Thy Church upon Apostles and 
Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner- 
stone. We thank Thee that Thou hast communicated 
to Thy ministers the Word of reconciliation ; that by 
them Thou hast opened our eyes, and turned us from 
darkness unto light ; that Thou hast adopted us to be 
Thy sons, and joint-heirs with Christ, and made us 
His members, and given us His Spirit. All Thy 
paths, Lord ! are mercy and truth to such as keep 
Thy covenant. Oh ! continue Thy loving-kindness 
unto us, that we may rejoice and be glad in Thee all 
our days. Guide us by Thy counsel, and afterward 
receive us to Thy glory : where, with all the blessed 
host of heaven, we may behold, admire, and perfectly 
and joyfully praise Thee, our most glorious Creator, 
Redeemer, and Sanctifier, for ever and ever. Amen. 



52 Order of Divine Service. 

ii. 
f\ LORD our God, we lift up our hearts unto Thee, 
^ in grateful acknowledgment of all Thy mercies. 
We praise Thee as the source of all blessing, full of 
compassion and goodness unto the children of men. 
We thank Thee that Thou hast formed us reasonable 
creatures, capable of knowing and serving Thee. We 
bless Thee for Thy preserving care over us, and for 
all our temporal enjoyments. Above all we praise 
Thee, most Merciful Father, for Thy spiritual 
blessings in Christ Jesus ; for the Holy Spirit and His 
influences ; for the Covenant of Grace and all the 
precious promises thereof; for Thy Word, for the 
Gospel ministry, and all Thine ordinances. For these 
benefits we bless Thee, God, the Father, the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost ; our Creator, Redeemer, and 
Sanctifier. And now, Lord, we commit ourselves to 
Thee ; we hope in Thy mercies, and we wait for Thy 
salvation. Accept our worship, and forgive our sins, 
in the Name of our crucified and exalted Redeemer, 
Jesus Christ : unto whom, with the Father and the 
Spirit of all Grace, be ascribed glory, honour, domin- 
ion, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 53 

in. 
f\ GOD ! Thy glory is great in all the Churches, 
" and the praises of Thy Name resound in the as- 
semblies of Thy saints. We thy servants would hum- 
ble ourselves before Thee. We worship Thine infinite 
Majesty. We celebrate Thy wisdom, power, and 
goodness, that shine forth in the works of creation 
and redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord. We 
bless Thee for all temporal and spiritual good that we 
continually receive at Thy bountiful hands. But 
more especially, with all Thy people assembled this 
day, we praise Thee that Thou didst send into the 
world Thy Son to save us ; and having delivered Him 
up for our offences, didst raise Him again for our 
justification ; and through His glorious resurrection 
hast given us the blessed hope of everlasting life. 
Lord ! may these our thanksgivings come up with 
acceptance before Thy throne. Make us worthy at 
the last day to have part in the resurrection of the 
just, and the glory of the kingdom of heaven : whither 
Jesus the Forerunner is for us entered ; where now 
He lives and reigns, and is worshipped and glorified, 
with Thee and the Holy Ghost. God blessed for ever. 
Amen. 



54 Obder of Divine Service. 

intercession. 

I. 

A LMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who by 
-E*- Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make 
our prayers and supplications for all men : We 
beseech Thee to lead such as are yet ignorant, from 
error to the pure understanding of Thy truth ; so that 
all mankind may learn, with one consent, to worship 
Thee their only God and Saviour. Give grace to all 
pastors and ministers of Thy holy Word, unto whom 
Thou hast committed the charge of Thy chosen 
people, that they may both in life and doctrine be 
found faithful, setting only before them Thy glory ; 
and that by them all poor sheep that wander and go 
astray may be gathered and brought home to Thy fold. 
And because the hearts of rulers are in Thy hand, 
we beseech Thee to guide and govern all those unto 
whom Thou hast committed the sword. Especially, 
Lord ! according to our bounden duty, we entreat 
Thee to bless those in authority in this land. Let 
Thy fatherly favour so preserve them, let Thy Holy 
Spirit so direct their minds, that they may execute 
their office to the maintenance of pure religion, and 



Morning of the Loed's Day. 55 

the punishment of evil-doers, according to the precise 
rule of Thy holy Word. 

And for that we be all members of the mystical 
Body of Christ Jesus, we make our requests unto 
Thee, heavenly Father ! for such as are afflicted 
with any cross or tribulation, as war, plague, famine, 
poverty, sickness, or any other kind of Thy chastise- 
ments, whether it be grief of body or unquietness of 
mind : that it may please Thee to give them patience 
and constancy, until Thou send them full deliverance 
out of all their woes. 

And finally, Lord ! we most humbly beseech 
Thee to show Thy great mercies upon those our breth- 
ren, who may be persecuted, cast into prison, and 
condemned to death, for the testimony of Thy Truth : 
and though they be utterly destitute of all man's aid, 
yet let Thy sweet comfort never depart from them ; 
but so inflame their hearts with Thy Holy Spirit, 
that they may boldly and cheerfully abide such trial 
as Thy godly wisdom shall appoint. And may all 
Thine afflicted people so serve and follow Thee, that 
at length, as well by their death as by their life, the 
kingdom of Thy Son Jesus Christ may increase 
and shine throughout the world. 



56 Order of Divine Service. 

These graces, heavenly Father ! and all others 
that Thou knowest to be expedient for us, and for all 
mankind, we ask in the Name of our Sovereign Mas- 
ter, Christ Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son : and for His 
sake also, we beseech Thee to grant us perfect con- 
tinuance in the lively faith of Thy Universal Church, 
whereof we make our confession, saying : 

I believe in God, etc. 

II. 
r\ MOST Holy, Blessed, and Glorious Trinity! 
^ Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! Three Persons 
and one God ; our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier ; 
our Lord, our Governor, and Father ! hear us, and 
have mercy upon us ! 

Lord our Saviour ! God and man ; Who, having 
assumed our nature, by Thy sufferings, death, and 
burial, wast made a ransom to take away the sins of 
the world ; who, being raised from the dead, ascended 
and glorified, art made Head over all things to the 
Church : We beseech Thee to hear us, and have 
mercy upon us. Make sure to us our calling and 
election, our unfeigned faith and repentance ; that 
being justified and made the sons of God, we may 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 57 

have peace "with Him as our reconciled God and 
Father. 

Let Thy Holy Spirit sanctify us, and dwell in our 
hearts,' and cause us to deny ourselves, and to give 
ourselves entirely to Thee. 

As the world was created for Thy glory, let Thy 
Name be glorified throughout the world. Let self- 
love, and pride, and vain-glory be destroyed. Make 
us to love Thee, fear Thee, and trust in Thee with all 
our hearts, and live to Thee. 

Let all mankind subject themselves to Thee, their 
Kins;. Let the kingdoms of the world become the 
kingdoms of the Lord, and of His Christ. Let 
atheists, idolaters,. Mohammedans, Jews, and all un- 
godly people be converted. Send forth meet labourers 
into the harvest, preserve and bless them in their 
work, and let the Gospel be preached throughout all 
the world. 

Unite all Christians in Jesus Christ, the true and 
only universal Head, in the true Christian and 
Catholic faith and love. Cast out heresies and cor- 
ruptions, heal divisions, let the strong receive the 
weak, and bear their infirmities. 

Have mercy upon our rulers ; let them fear Thee, 



58 Order of Divine Service. 

and be ensamples of piety and temperance, haters of 
injustice, covetousness, and pride, and defenders of the 
innocent. Let every soul be subject to the higher 
powers, and not resist ; let them obey all in authority, 
not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake. 

Give all Thy Churches able, holy, faithful Pastors, 
that may soundly and diligently preach Thy Word, 
and guide Thy flock in ways of righteousness and 
peace. 

Keep us from atheism, idolatry, and rebellion 
against Thee ; from infidelity, ungodliness, and sen- 
suality ; from security, presumption, and despair. 

Keep us from murder and violence, and hurtful, 
passionate words and actions. Keep us from all un- 
cleanness ; from injustice, false witness, and deceit; 
from slander and uncharitable censure. Keep us from 
coveting any thing that is our neighbour's. Cause 
us to love Christ in His members with a pure and 
fervent love ; to love our enemies, and to do good to 
all. 

Give us needful sustenance, and contentment there- 
with. Bless our labours, and the fruits of the earth 
in their season ; and send us such temperate weather 
as may tend thereunto. Deliver all Thy servants 



MOKKING OF THE LOED'S Day. 59 

from sickness, want, or other distresses, that would 
hinder them from Th y service. When we sin, restore 
us by true repentance and faith in Christ. May we 
loathe ourselves for our transgressions ; forgive them 
all, and accept us in Thy well-beloved Son. Save us 
from the punishment that our sins deserve. Convert 
our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers. Cause us 
to watch against temptation, to resist and overcome 
the world, the flesh, and the devil. Defend us and 
all Thy people from the enmity and rage of Satan ; 
and preserve us to Thy heavenly Kingdom. 

For Thou only art the Universal King ; all power 
is Thine in heaven and in earth ; of Thee, and 
through Thee, and to Thee are all things ; and the 
glory shall be Thine for ever. Amen. 

I believe in God, etc. 

III. 
f\ LORD our God, who hast commanded us to make 
^ prayers and supplications for all men : We pre- 
sent ourselves before Thy throne to offer up our re- 
quests in behalf of all classes and conditions of our 
race. Thou, Lord, who art the Maker and Father of 
mankind, we beseech Thee for the peace of the whole 



60 Order of Divine Service. 

world, and the salvation of all people. Deliver from 
their blindness the heathen, Mohammedans, and all 
unbelievers ; and vouchsafe, according to Thy promises, 
to procure the conversion of Thine ancient people, the 
Jews : that all nations may know and worship Thee, 
and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. King of 
kings, Lord of lords, we pray Thee for all rulers and 
other persons in offices of dignity and trust. Give the 
knowledge of Thyself to such as have it not : and im- 
part Thy grace to them that know Thee, that they 
may use their authority to the furtherance of Thy 
glory. Especially we pray for those who are set in 
authority over us. Grant them long life and pros- 
perity, wise counsel and good success. Bless the 
people of this commonwealth in all their interests, 
civil and religious. Diffuse among them the spirit of 
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge 
and the fear of Thy Name : that order and harmony 
may prevail, and that we may lead a quiet and peace- 
able life in all godliness and honesty. 

We present to thee, Lord, our prayers for the 
necessities of Thy holy Church spread abroad through- 
out the earth. Be pleased to protect, enlarge, and 
sanctify it more and more. Deliver the churches that 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 61 

are persecuted. Remove the errors, scandals, and di- 
visions that distract Christendom, and unite all Chris- 
tians by the bonds of truth, o£»godliness, and of peace. 
Grant especially Thy blessings upon the churches of 
this land, and the churches in this place : bless the 
families composing them : cause righteousness, and all 
holy virtues, to nourish in our midst. 

We pray Thee, God, for all the pastors of Thy 
Church ; sanctify them, enlighten them, and aug- 
ment in them the gifts needful for the promotion of 
Thy kingdom, and the salvation of souls intrusted to 
their care. Raise up everywhere, and especially 
among ourselves, faithful, zealous, humble ministers, 
lovers of truth and of peace. And to this end impart 
Thy grace and Thy fear unto all that are preparing to 
serve Thee in the ministry of Thy Word. 

God of Mercy, have pity on the nations that are 
afflicted by war, or any other scourge ; and upon all 
persons in any kind of suffering. We commend to 
Thy goodness the widows, the orphans, the poor, the 
strangers, the friendless ; those that are journeying ; 
those that endure persecution for Thy Gospel; all 
persons distressed or diseased in mind; the infirm, 
the sick, the dying ; and especially our brethren who 



62 Ordee of Divine Service. 

are members of this church [and who desire our 
prayers]. Assist them in their several necessities, 
whether of body or of soul ; and give them a happy 
issue out of all their troubles. 

Lord, we beseech Thee for all Thy children : for all 
that seek Thee in sincerity of heart, and labour to 
promote their own salvation and that of their fellow- 
men ; for all that are engaged in works of piety, and 
enterprises for the advancement of Thy Kingdom. 
Confirm those that are weak in the Faith ; and to all 
that are yet in their sins, under condemnation of Thy 
law, give true repentance and conversion unto Thee. 

Look favourably upon this community. Grant U3 
always that which may be needful for our sustenance ; 
and enable us to serve Thee with sobriety, thankful- 
ness, and love. Deliver us from our sins ; preserve 
us from wicked thoughts, from unbelief, hypocrisy, 
and whatever is opposed to Thy holy will. Merci- 
ful God, prevent us ever by Thy grace, and further 
us continually by Thy Spirit ; put in our minds right 
purposes and pure desires, perfect submission to Thy 
providence, fervent love to Thee, and charity that 
shall incline us to love and edify one another. De- 
tach our hearts from this world of vanity, and help us 



Morning of the Lord's Day. 63 

to raise them unto heaven, where our treasure is. So 
that living in "watchfulness and prayer, we may spend 
our days in Thy peace, looking for the glorious ap- 
pearing of our Lord: that when He shall come to 
judge the world, we may stand in Thy presence with- 
out shame. 

Give ear, Lord, unto the voice of those who have 
now offered up their prayers unto Thee : reject not the 
unworthy supplications of Thy servants ; but grant us 
the blessings we have asked, and all other things ne- 
cessary for us, in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord : 
unto whom, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be 
honour and praise for ever. Amen. 

Lord ! increase our faith. 

I believe in God, etc. 



THE 

ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE 



ON 



THE EVENING OF THE LORD'S DAY. 



The congregation being assembled, let tbe Minister begin with the reading 
of one of these passages of Scripture, or some other, containing a promise of 
the Divine presence. 

PREFACE. 

ryiHUS saith the High and Lofty One that in- 
■ habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy : I dwell 
in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a 
contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the 
humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith 
God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh ; on my 
servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out, in 
those days, of my Spirit : and it shall come to pass, 
that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, 
shall be saved. 

Where two or three are gathered together in My 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 65 

name, saith the Lord, there am I in the midst of 
them ; and whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, 
that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in 
the Son. 

Christ is not entered into the holy places made 
with hands, which are the figures of the true; but 
into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of 
God for us. 

Then let Mm add this 
INVITATION. 

TAVING therefore this promise, dearly beloved, 
-*--*- let us draw near with a true heart, in full 
assurance of faith, and make known our requests 
unto God. 

Or this: 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of 
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to 
help in time of need. 

INVOCATION. 

A LMIGHTY God ! who hast promised to be pre- 
•*-*- sent with Thy people, and to grant their re- 
quests in the Name of Thy well-beloved Son, regard 
us, we humbly beseech Thee, with Thy favour, and for 



66 Order of Divine Service. 

the sake of Him who is our only Saviour and Me- 
diator with Thee, fulfil Thy promise in our behalf; 
that our thoughts being lifted up, and our desires 
drawn forth unto Thee, we may render Thee acceptable 
worship : Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Then let the Minister and people say together 
THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

AUR FATHER which art in heaven, Hallowed 
^ be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day 
by day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is 
the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. 
Amen. 

[Here may follow the reading of a selection from the Psalms, by the. Minister 
and congregation alternately, where such is the practice.] 

Then the singing of a 
PSALM, 

Or Hymn, of Praise and Thanksgiving. 
Next the 

READING OF HOLY SCRIPTURE 

out of the Old and New Testaments. 

[See the Table of Portions of Scripture to be read in Public Worship.] 
Then the following prayor: 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 67 

the litany. 
f\ GOD the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon 
^ us. 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy 
upon us. 

God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us. 

Be merciful unto us, and spare us, Lord. 

Be merciful unto us, and deliver us, Lord. 

Prom all sin, from all error, from all evil, from tho 
wiles of the devil : deliver us, Lord. 

Prom dying suddenly and unprepared ; from pesti- 
lence and famine, from war and slaughter, from sedi- 
tion and conspiracy, from lightning and tempest, 
from everlasting death : deliver us, Lord. 

By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, by Thy 
holy Nativity, by Thy Baptism, Fasting, and Tempta- 
tions : deliver us, Lord. 

By Thine Agony and bloody Sweat, by Thy Cross 
and Passion, by Thy Death and Burial, by Thy 
Resurrection and Ascension, by the coming of the 
Holy Ghost the Comforter : deliver us, Lord. 

In all time of our tribulation, in all time of our 
felicity, in the hour of death, in the day of judgment : 
deliver us, Lord. 



68 Order of Divine Service. 

We sinners beseech Thee to hear us : 

That it may please Thee to rule and govern Thy 
holy Church Universal. 

That it may please Thee to preserve in soundness 
of word and holiness of life, all pastors and ministers 
of Thy Church. 

That it may please Thee to remove all sects and 
scandals. 

That it may please Thee to bring back into the 
way of truth all such as wander and have been led 
astray. 

That it may please Thee to crush Satan under our 
feet. 

That it may please Thee to send forth faithful 
labourers into Thy harvest. 

That it may please Thee to grant the increase of 
Thy Word and the fruit of Thy Spirit unto all that 
hear. 

That it may please Thee to raise the fallen, and 
strengthen those that stand. 

That it may please Thee to console the weak-heart- 
ed, and succour the tempted. 

That it may please Thee to give peace and concord 
unto all rulers and governors. 






EVE.NING OF THE LORD'S DAY. 69 

That it may please Thee to guide and protect our 
chief magistrate, with all his counsellors. 

That it may please Thee to bless and preserve our 
people, and all in authority among us. 

That it may please Thee to look upon the afflicted, 
and those that are in danger ; and to comfort them. 

That it may please Thee to succour all women in 
the perils of child-birth. 

That it may please Thee to cherish and protect 
young children, and sick persons. 

That it may please Thee to defend and suitably 
provide for the orphans and widows. 

That it may please Thee to grant freedom unto 
captives. 

That it may please Thee to have mercy upon all men. 

That it may please Thee to forgive our enemies, 
persecutors, and slanderers, and to convert them. 

That it may please Thee to give and preserve the 
fruits of the earth. 

That it may please Thee to grant all these our 
requests. 

^^ T e beseech Thee to hear us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
world, have mercy upon us. 



70 Order of Divine Service. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
world, grant us peace. 

Lord, deal not with us according to our sins, neither 
reward us according to our iniquities. 

God, Merciful Father, who despisest not the 
groans of the contrite, nor rejectest the desire of the 
sorrowful : Be favourable to our prayers, which, in 
our afflictions that continually oppress us, we pour 
out before Thee; and graciously hear them; that 
those things which the craft of the devil or of man 
worketh against us, may be brought to nought, and 
by the counsel of Thy goodness be scattered ; that 
being hurt by no persecutions, we may ever give 
thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church : Through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 

God, from whom all holy desires, all good coun- 
sels, and all just works proceed : Give unto Thy serv- 
ants that peace which the world can not give; that 
both our hearts may be set to obey Thy command- 
ments, and also that we, being defended from the fear 
of our enemies, may, by Thy protection, pass our 
time in rest and quietness : Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 71 

After this prayer, let a hymn he sung hefore the 

SERMON. 

At the conclusion of which, the following prayer, or the like in effect, 

CLOSING PRAYER. 

A LMIGHTY God, we humbly beseech Thee that 
■*■■*- the good seed of Thy Word, now sown among 
us, may take such deep root, that neither the burning 
heat of affliction may cause it to wither, nor the cares 
of this world choke it, but that, as seed sown in good 
ground, it may bring forth fruit to Thy praise. And 
because for our infirmity we can do nothing without 
Thy help, and Thou knowest how many and sore 
temptations surround us : Let Thy strength, Lord, 
sustain our weakness ; let Thy grace defend us from 
all assaults of evil ; increase our faith, that we may 
never swerve from Thy commandment; augment in 
us hope and love ; and may no hardness of heart, no 
hypocrisy, no lusts of the flesh, no enticements of the 
world, cause us to wander from Thy ways. Grant 
this, Lord, for the sake of our Advocate and Re- 
deemer, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



Then let a hymn he sung, after which the congregation shall be dismissed 
with the 



72 Order of Divine Service. 



BENEDICTION. 

npHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 



be with you all. Amen. 



OTHER FORMS 



EVENING SERVICE ON THE LORD'S DAT. 



INVOCATION. 
I. 

r\ ETERNAL, Almighty, and most Gracious God ! 
^ Heaven is Thy throne, and earth is Thy foot- 
stool : holy and reverend is Thy Name. We sinners 
are bold, through our blessed Mediator, to present 
ourselves and our supplications before Thee. Receive 
us graciously, help us by Thy Spirit, let Thy fear be 
upon us, let Thy Word come unto us in power, and be 
received in love ; cause us to be fervent in prayer, 
and joyful in Thy praises, and to serve Thee this day 
without distraction, that we may find it good for us to 
draw near unto Thee : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 



Our Father, etc. 



II. 



"INTERNAL and Invisible God ! Infinite in power, 
-*-* wisdom, and goodness, dwelling in the light 



74 Oeder of Divine Service. 

which no man can approach, yet dwelling also with 
the humble and contrite, and taking pleasure in Thy 
people : Thou hast consecrated for us a new and liv- 
ing way, that with boldness we may enter into the 
holiest by the blood of Jesus. Behold us at Thy 
footstool. Despise us not, though unworthy ; put 
Thy fear into our hearts, that with reverence we may 
serve Thee ; write Thy laws in our minds, and let us 
all be taught of Thee. So may the words of our 
mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable 
in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. 
Our Father, etc. 



Instead of the Litany. 
I. 

A LMIGHTY God, Most Merciful Father ! We do 
-*--*- not present ourselves before Thy Majesty trust- 
ing in our own merits or worthiness, but in Thy mani- 
fold mercies. Thou hast promised to hear our prayers 
and to grant our requests, in the Name of Thy beloved 
Son Jesus Christ our Lord : Who also hath com- 
manded us to assemble in His Name, with full assur- 
ance that He will be with us, and, as our Mediator 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 75 

and Advocate, obtain all things expedient for our 
good. Therefore we beseech Thee, Most Merciful 
Father ! turn Thy loving countenance toward us ; im- 
pute not unto us our manifold offences, whereby we 
justly deserve Thy wrath ; but rather receive us to 
Thy mercy for Jesus Christ's sake. Accept His 
death and passion for all our trespasses. In Him 
alone Thou art well-pleased ; and through Him Thou 
canst not be offended with us. And having of Thy 
compassion chosen us to be heirs with Him of that im- 
mortal Kingdom prepared for us before the foundation 
of the world : We beseech Thee to increase our faith 
and knowledge, and to lighten our hearts with Thine 
Holy Spirit; that we may live in godly conversation, 
and integrity of life. 

And because Thou hast bidden us pray for one an- 
other, we make request, Lord ! not only for our- 
selves, and others whom Thou hast called to the ap- 
prehension of Thy will, but for all people and nations 
of the world. As they know by Thy wonderful works 
that Thou art God over all, so by Thy Holy Spirit 
may they learn to believe in Christ, their only Sa- 
viour and Redeemer. But since they cannot believe 
except they hear, nor hear but by preaching, and 



76 Order of Divine Service. 

none can preach except they be sent: Raise up, 
Lord ! faithful distributors of Thy Mysteries, who, 
setting aside all worldly considerations, may both in 
their life and in their doctrine seek only Thy glory. 
Maintain Thy cause against all opposition ; and 
strengthen all Thy servants : let not our sins and 
wickedness prove a hindrance to the spread of Thy 
Truth ; but speedily, Lord ! regard the afflictions 
of Thy Church ; and make haste to save us. Arise, 
Lord ! and let Thine enemies be ashamed ; let them 
flee from Thy presence that hate Thy holy Name ; let 
the groans of the prisoners come up before Thee ; and 
preserve by Thy power such as are appointed to die. 
Let not Thy foes triumph to the end ; but let them 
understand that against Thee they fight ; behold and 
defend the vine that Thy right hand hath planted ; 
and let all nations see the glory of Thine Anointed. 
Let Thy mighty hand and outstretched arm be ever 
our defence ; Thy mercy and loving-kindness in Christ 
our salvation ; Thy true and holy Word our instruc- 
tion ; Thy grace and Holy Spirit our consolation, unto 
the end. Grant these our requests, Father ! and 
all other things needful for us and Thy whole Church ; 
according to Thy promise in Jesus Christ our Lord : 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 77 

unto whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all 
honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 

II. 
A LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father ! We in- 
■*"*- voke Thy Name, and beseech Thee to turn 
away Thy face from our manifold sins and transgres- 
sions, whereby we have not ceased to draw Thine an- 
ger upon us. And because we are most unworthy to 
appear before Thy sovereign Majesty, be pleased to 
regard us only in Thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ ; 
accepting the merits of His death in satisfaction for all 
our offences, that by His atonement we may become 
well-pleasing in Thy sight. Pour upon us Thy Holy 
Spirit, illuminating our minds in the true understand- 
ing of Thy Word ; and bestow upon us grace, that re- 
ceiving Thy Truth into our hearts with humility and 
fear, we may be led to put all our trust in Thee only, 
and live in Thy service and worship, to the glory of 
Thy holy Name. These benefits we ask, not only for 
ourselves, but also for all people and nations on the 
earth. Bring back, Lord, into the right way of 
salvation, all poor captives of ignorance and false doc- 
trine. Raise up true and faithful ministers of the 



78 Order of Divine Service. 

Word, who shall seek not their own ease and ambition, 
but the exaltation of Thy Name, and the safety of Thy 
flock. Eemove and scatter all sects, heresies, and 
errors, which are the nurseries of strife and dissension 
in Thy Church j and may all Thy people be of one 
mind, and live in brotherly union. Rule Thou and 
govern with Thy Spirit all kings, princes, and magis- 
trates, who hold the administration of the sword ; that 
their dominion may be exercised, not in avarice, cruelty, 
and oppression, or any other evil and inordinate affection, 
but in all justice and uprightness. May we also, liv- 
ing under them, pay them due honour and reverence, 
and lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and 
honesty. Comfort all distressed and afflicted persons, 
whom Thou dost visit with any kind of cross or tribu- 
lation ; the nations whom Thou dost chasten with war, 
pestilence, famine, or any other plague ; and all men 
whom Thou dost afflict with - poverty, imprisonment, 
sickness, banishment, or any other distress of body or 
infirmity of mind. Grant them firm patience under 
their trials, and speedily bring them out of their afflic- 
tions. Confirm and strengthen all Thy faithful chil- 
dren, who in any place are suffering persecution for 
the testimony of Thy heavenly Truth. Give them 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 79 

stedfast constancy ; console them ; suffer not the rage 
of rapacious wolves to prevail against them ; but en- 
able them to glorify Thy Name, as well in life as in 
death. Preserve and defend all Thy Churches "which 
at this day are labouring and fighting for the testimony 
of Thy blessed Name. Defeat and overturn all the 
counsels of their enemies, their machinations and de- 
vices. So may Thy glory be revealed, and the King- 
dom of our Lord Jesus Christ more and more in- 
creased and promoted. All this we ask of Thee in the 
name of our Sovereign Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 

hi. 

(Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer.) 

r\UR Father which art in heaven ! We draw near to 
^ Thee with assured confidence through Thy be- 
loved Son ; earnestly beseeching that Thy great and 
holy Name may be glorified in every place. Extend Thy 
dominion over all the earth : leading Thy people by 
the sceptre of Thy Word, and the power of Thy 
Spirit : and confounding all Thine enemies by the 
might of Thy justice and Thy truth. Be pleased to 
rule over and conduct us ; that we may daily learn 
more and more to submit ourselves to Thy Majesty, as 



80 Oedee of Divine Seevice. 

our Governor and King. Destroy every power and 
principality opposed to Thy glory, until Thy Kingdom 
be perfectly established, and Thou appear for judg- 
ment in the person of Thy Son. Great God ! make 
us able and willing to render Thee true and perfect 
obedience on earth, as do Thy heavenly angels, that 
seek only to execute Thy commands. Thus may Thy 
will without contradiction be fulfilled ; and all men 
submit to Thee, renouncing their own purposes, and 
all the affections of the flesh. 

Grant also, good Lord ! that we, walking in the 
fear and love of Thy holy Name, may through Thy 
goodness be nourished day by day ; and receive at Thy 
hands all things expedient and necessary for us, that 
we may use Thy gifts in quietness and peace. And 
observing Thy care of us, may we better acknowledge 
Thee to be our Father, expect all benefits at Thy 
hands only ; and withdrawing our confidence from 
creatures, place it wholly in Thy favour and Thy 
love. 

And because in this mortal life we are prone to 
wander from the right way, and do continually come 
short of our duty : We beseech Thee, Lord ! forgive 
our faults, by which we have deserved Thy chastise- 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 81 

rnent; deliver us from that everlasting death unto 
which we are justly exposed ; impute not unto us the 
evil that dwells within us : and even so may we, ac- 
cording to Thy command, forgive the trespasses of 
others, and do good unto our enemies, rather than 
seek their hurt. 

Finally, Lord ! Vouchsafe to uphold us hence- 
forth by Thy power, lest we fail through the weakness 
of the flesh. And since of ourselves we are frail, and 
beset with foes, the world, the flesh, and the devil, 
that cease not to war against us : Be pleased to fortify 
us with Thy Spirit, and arm us with Thy grace ; may 
w T e withstand all manner of temptation, and gain full 
victory in our spiritual warfare ; so that at last we 
may triumph eternally in Thy Kingdom, with our 
Sovereign Head and Captain, Jesus Christ Thy Son. 
Amen. 

IV. 

r\ LORD our God, Father Everlasting and full of 

^ compassion ! Hear from the heavens our prayers 

and supplications, which we pour forth before Thy 

throne. In the multitude of Thy mercies Thou hast 

not only created us reasonable creatures, but also of 

Thine inestimable goodness Thou hast sent the great 

4* 



82 Order of Divine Service. 

Angel of the Covenant, our Lord Jesus Christ, to re- 
deem us. By Him Thy wrath is taken away, the 
Law is satisfied, the power of death, of hell, and of 
Satan is broken. Behold," when we lay in the shadow 
of death, in fearful darkness of the soul, Thou madest 
the light of Thy Gospel to shine upon us, showing us 
the way to life everlasting. With these spiritual 
benefits, it hath pleased Thee to continue temporal 
blessings. • Thou hast been our hope, our fortress, and 
our God. Thou hast covered us with Thy feathers, 
and under Thy wings Thou hast made us to trust. 
Grant us, Merciful Father, thankful hearts for 
these Thy manifold favours. Open our mouths to 
sound forth Thy praise, and offer the sacrifice of 
thanksgiving, wherein Thou dost delight. And we 
most humbly beseech Thee, give us unfeigned repent- 
ance for our past unthankfulness to Thee ; create in 
us new hearts, work in us sorrow for our sins, and 
hatred of the same, and a hearty love unto Thy right- 
eousness : that we, being not conformed unto this 
wicked world, but making Thy will the order of our 
life, may offer ourselves up a living sacrifice unto 
Thee, consecrating to Thy glory both body and soul, 
with all our powers. 



.Evening of the Lord's Day. 83 

Preserve us, good Lord, from the thraldom of sin 
and the bondage of unbelief. Continue the light of 
Thj glorious Gospel among us. Purge our land of all 
violence, uncleanness, oppression, and every other evil 
that defiles Thine inheritance. Arm us Thy servants 
with Thy power, to strive against Satan, the flesh, and 
the world, and all things that would beguile us from 
our allegiance unto Thee : That, walking in Thy 
paths, and obeying Thy blessed ordinances, we may 
end our lives to the honour of Thy Name, and attain 
that immortality and crown of glory laid up for Thine 
elect in Jesus Christ, the God of immortality and the 
King of glory. Amen. 

CLOSING PRAYER. 
I. 

~\T7"E most humbly beseech Thee, Father of Mercy. 
' " for Jesus Christ Thy Son's sake, that as Thou 
hast caused the light of Thy Word clearly to shine 
among us, and hast plainly instructed us by the exter- 
nal Ministry in the right way of salvation : So it may 
please Thee inwardly to move our dull hearts j and by 
the power of Thy Holy Spirit to write and seal in 
them that holy fear and reverence which Thou requir- 



84 Order of Divine Service. 

est of Thy chosen. Grant us faithful obedience to Thy 
holy will, together with the sense that our sins are 
fully purged and freely remitted, by that One Sacrifice 
which alone is acceptable to Thee ; the obedience, 
death, and mediation of Thy Son, our sovereign Lord, 
our only Shepherd and High Priest, Jesus Christ ; to 
whom with Thee and with the Holy Ghost, be all hon- 
our and glory, world without end. Amen. 

II. 
f\ GOD, who hast given us Thy Holy Scriptures for 
^ our instruction, we beseech Thee by Thy grace 
to enlighten our minds and cleanse our hearts ; that 
we, having read,-heard, and meditated upon them, may 
rightly understand and heartily embrace the things 
Thou hast revealed. Give efficacy to the preaching of 
the Gospel, that through the operation of the Holy 
Ghost, this good seed may be received into our hearts 
as into good ground ; and that we may not only hear 
Thy Word but keep it, living in conformity with Thy 
precepts ; so that we may finally attain everlasting 
salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Evening of the Lord's Day. 85 

in. 
f\ HEAVENLY Father ! Thy Word is perfect, con- 
^ verting the soul ; a sure testimony, making wise 
the simple ; enlightening the eyes of the blind ; and 
a powerful mean of salvation for all that believe. 
Help us, Thine unworthy servants, whether we teach, 
or whether we be taught, to learn of Thee. "We are 
blind by nature, wholly incapable of doing any good ; 
and Thou wilt help none but those that are of a broken 
and contrite heart. We beseech Thee to enlighten 
our understanding with Thy Holy Spirit, and give us 
a meek heart, free from all haughtiness and carnal 
knowledge ; that, hearing Thy Word, we may rightly 
understand it, and rule our lives accordingly. Be 
graciously pleased to convert all those who yet stray 
from Thy truth ; that we, together with them, may 
unanimously serve Thee in holiness and righteousness 
all the days of our life. We ask all things for the 
sake of Jesus Christ our Lord : To whom, with Thee 
and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and praise ever- 
more. Amen. 



THE 



MANNER OF CELEBRATING 



THE SACRAMENT OF 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 



THE 

MANNER OF CELEBRATING 



THE SACRAMENT OF 



THE LORD'S SUPPER 



"The Communion, or Supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently; 
but bow often, may be determined by the Minister and Eldership of each con- 
gregation, as they may judge most for edification. 

" The ignorant and scandalous are not to be admitted to the Lord's Supper. 

"It is proper that public notice should be given to the congregation, at least 
the Sabbath before the administration of this ordinance, and that either then, 
or on some day of the week, the people should be instructed in its nature, and 
a due preparation for it ; that all may come in a suitable manner to this holy 
feast." 

The service may be introduced by the singing of a Sacramental Hymn, fol- 
lowed by this prayer : 

INVOCATION. 

A LMIGHTY God ! whose well-Moved Son hath 
•*■•*- once offered up His body and blood on the 
Cross for the remission of our sins, and now vouch- 
safes them for our meat and drink unto life eternal : 
Grant us grace with pure hearts and fervent desires 
to accept this great blessing at Thy hands. May we 
by lively faith partake of His body and blood, yea, of 
Himself, true God and man, that only bread from 



90 The Manner of Celebrating 

heaven, that giveth life unto our souls. Suffer us no 
longer to live unto ourselves, according to the inclina- 
tions of a corrupt and sinful nature ; but may He live 
in us, and lead us to the life that is holy, blessed, and 
unchangeable for ever. Thus may we be partakers of 
the new and everlasting Testament, which is the 
Covenant of grace. And thus assure us of Thy wil- 
lingness ever to be our gracious Father ; not imputing 
to us our sins, but as Thy beloved heirs and children, 
providing us with all things needful for our good, 
that both by our works and words we may magnify 
Thy Name. Fit us, heavenly Father ! at this time 
so to celebrate the blessed remembrance of Thy 
beloved Son. Enable us profitably to contemplate 
His love, and show forth the benefits of His death ; 
that receiving fresh increase of strength in Thy 
faith, and in all good works, we may with greater con- 
fidence call Thee our Father, and evermore rejoice 
in Thee: Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. 
Amen. 

the creed. 

To be said by the Minister and People. 

T ET us now make profession of our faith in the 
-*-** doctrine of the Christian religion, wherein we 



The Loed's Suppee. 91 

do all purpose, by the grace of God, to live and to 
die. 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of 
heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ His only Son 
our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Yirgin Mary, suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended 
into hell ; the third day He rose again from the dead ; 
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right 
hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence He 
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe 
in the Holy Ghost ; the Holy Catholic Church, the 
Communion of Saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the 
resurrection of the body ; and the life everlasting. 
Amen. 



" Then the Minister shall show that this is an ordinance of Christ ; by read- 
ing the words of institution, either from one of the evangelists, or from 1 Cor. 
xi. ; which as to him may appear expedient he may explain and apply : that it 
is to be observed in remembrance of Christ, to show forth His death till He 
come ; that it is of inestimable benefit, to strengthen His people against sin ; 
to support them under troubles ; to encourage and quicken them in duty ; to 
inspire them with love and zeal; to increase their faith and holy resolution ; 
and to beget peace of conscience, and comfortable hopes of eternal life. 

" He is to warn the profane, the ignorant, scandalous, and those that secretly 
indulge themselves in any known sin, not to approach the Holy Table. On 
the other hand, he shall invite to this Holy Table such as, sensible of their lost 
and helpless state by sin, depend upon the Atonement of Christ for pardon 
and acceptance with God ; such as, being instructed in the Gospel doctrine, 
have a competent knowledge to discern the Lord's Body, and such as desire to 
renounce their sins, and are determined to lead a holy and godly life." 



92 The Manner of Celebrating 

the words of the institution. 

A TTEND to the words of the institution of the 
•*--*- Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they 
are delivered by the Apostle Paul. 

For I have received of the Lord that which also 
I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the 
same night in which He was betrayed, took bread: 
and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, 
Take, eat ; this is my body, which is broken for you : 
this do in remembrance of me. After the same man- 
ner also, He took the cup, when He had supped, say- 
ing, This cup is the new testament in my blood : this 
do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 
For, as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, 
ye do show the Lord's death till He come. Where- 
fore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this 
cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the 
body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine 
himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of 
that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unwor- 
thily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not 
discerning the Lord's body. 



The Loed's Supper. 93 

the exhortatiox. 

"VT7"E have heard, brethren, after what manner our 
Lord celebrated the Supper among His disci- 
ples ; and have seen that those who are not of the 
company of the faithful, may not approach this feast. 
"Wherefore, in compliance with this rule, in the Name 
and by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I warn 
all idolaters, blasphemers, despisers of God, heretics, 
all that are rebellious, seditious, contentious, injurious, 
and all that lead corrupt and wicked lives, to abstain 
from this Table, lest they pollute the sacred food 
which our Lord gives only to His people. Let each 
of you, then, according to St. Paul's exhortation, 
examine and prove his own conscience, to know 
whether he have true repentance, and sorrow for his 
sins ; whether he desires to lead henceforth a holy and 
godly life ; above all, whether he puts his whole trust 
in the mercy of God, and seeks his whole salvation in 
Jesus Christ ; and renouncing all enmity and malice, 
doth truly and honestly purpose to live in harmony 
and brotherly love with his neighbour. 

If we have this testimony in our hearts before God, 
we may not doubt that He adopts us for His children, 



94 The Manner or Celebrating 

and that our Lord Jesus addresseth to us His word, 
admitting us to this Table, and presenting us with 
this holy Sacrament, which He designs for His fol- 
lowers alone. And although we may be conscious 
of ' many infirmities and miseries in ourselves, as 
namely, that we have not perfect faith, and that 
we have not given ourselves to serve God with such 
zeal as we are bound to do, but have daily to battle 
with the lusts of our flesh : Yet, since the Lord hath 
been graciously pleased to print His Gospel upon our 
hearts, and hath enabled us to resist unbelief; and 
hath given us an earnest desire to renounce our own 
thoughts, and follow His righteousness and His holy 
commandments : Therefore we rest assured, that 
these remaining sins and imperfections do not prevent 
us from being received of God, and made worthy 
partakers of this spiritual food. For we do not 
come to this Supper to testify hereby that we are 
perfect and righteous in ourselves : but, on the con- 
trary, seeking our life in Jesus Christ, we acknowl- 
edge that we lie in the midst of death. Let us, then, 
regard this Sacrament as a medicine for those who are 
spiritually diseased ; and consider, that all the worthiness 
our Lord requires, is, that we truly know ourselves, 



The Lord's Supper. 95 

be sorry for our sins, and find our pleasure, joy, and 
satisfaction in Him above. 

First, then, we should believe this promise, which 
Christ, who is Infallible Truth, has pronounced with 
His own lips : That He is truly willing to make us 
partakers of His own body and blood, in order that 
we may wholly possess Him, that He may live in us, 
and we in Him. And although you see here only the 
Bread and "Wine, doubt not that He will accomplish 
spiritually in your souls all that He outwardly ex- 
hibits by these visible signs : He will manifest Him- 
self to be the heavenly Bread, to feed and nourish 
you unto eternal life. Be not unthankful for the in- 
finite goodness of your Lord, who displays at this 
Table the riches of His love, to distribute them among 
you. For, in giving Himself to us, He testifies that 
all He has is ours. Let us also receive this Sacra- 
ment as a pledge, that the virtue of His death and 
passion is imputed unto us for righteousness ; even as 
thpugh we had suffered in our own persons the pen- 
alty of our guilt. Let no man perversely draw back, 
when Jesus gently invites him by His Word. But, 
considering the dignity of His precious gift, let us 
present ourselves to Him with fervent zeal, that He 



96 The Manner of Celebrating 

may make us capable of receiving His proffered 
grace. 

And now to this end lift up your minds and hearts 
on high, where Christ abideth in the glory of His 
Father, whence we expect His coming at our redemp- 
tion. Dwell not on these earthly and corruptible ele- 
ments, which we see present to our eyes, and feel with 
our hands, to seek Him in them, as though He were 
enclosed in the bread or in the wine. Be satisfied to 
have this bread and this wine for witnesses and signs ; 
seeking spiritually the truth where God's Word hath 
promised that we shall find it. For then only shall 
our souls be disposed to receive food and life from His 
substance, when they shall be thus raised above all 
worldly things, even unto heaven, and enter into the 
kingdom of God, where He dwells. 



"The table on which the elements are placed being decently covered, the 
bread in convenient dishes, and the wine in cups, and the communicants or- 
derly and gravely sitting around the table, (or in their seats before it,) in the 
presence of the Minister : let him set the elements apart, by prayer and thanks- 
giving." 

THE CONSECRATING PRAYER. 

T OKD God! Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ! 
-^ Thou who art infinite goodness, and perfect love I 
We bring to Thee the sacrifice of our praise, and the 



The Lord's Supper. 9? 

offering of our thanks, for Thine inestimable gift in 
sending Thy Son into the world ; for delivering Him 
up to die for us all ; and for inviting us to participate 
in the fruits of His atonement, at the Table of this 
holy feast. Lord ! what are we, to receive such price- 
less benefits at Thy hand ? or how shall we worthily 
show forth our gratitude to Thee ? The heavens and 
the . earth, Lord ! are full of the tokens of Thy 
bounty : but especially dost Thou manifest Thy love, 
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 
Accept, Lord our God ! the homage of Thine ador- 
ing people. And grant that we, partaking of this 
holy Sacrament, to which we are welcomed by Thy 
grace, may now join ourselves by the bonds of living 
faith and true holiness to our Saviour : so that wo may 
not henceforth live unto ourselves, but that He may 
live in us, and lead us to that blessed life that shall have 
no end. 

Father of Mercies ! who didst n,ot spare Thine only- 
begotten Son, but deliveredst Him to death for us all ; 
and hast brought us into fellowship with Him, that we 
might obtain everlasting life : We Thy servants, with a 
lively sense of Thy precious gift, do now consecrate our- 
selves entirely unto Thee. We present to Thee our 



98 The Manner of Celebrating 

bodies, and our souls, in a living and holy sacrifice. And 
since Thou hast loved us so much, we acknowledge 
ourselves constrained to love one another. Impress 
our hearts, God ! with these holy inclinations : that 
so celebrating the remembrance of Thy dear Son, our 
faith may grow strong, our charity increase, our sanc- 
tification advance and be made complete, until we be 
meet for the inheritance of Thy saints in light ever- 
lasting. Hear us, Father of Mercies ! we ask all 
in the Name of Thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ our 
Lord : unto whom, as unto Thee, and the Holy Ghost, 
one God, be honour, praise, and glory, now, henceforth, 
and for ever. Amen. 



41 The Bread and Wine being thus set apart by prayer and thanksgiving, the 
Minister is to take the Bread and break it, in the view of the people, saying: 



^R Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in which 
He was betrayed, having taken bread, and 
blessed and broken it, gave it to His disciples ; as I, 
ministering in His Name, give this bread unto you : 
saying, [here the bread is to be distributed^ Take, 
eat : this is My body, which is broken for you : this 
do in remembrance of Me. 

■" After having given the Bread, he shall take the Cup, and say : 



The Lord's Supper. 99 

A FTER the same manner our Saviour also took the 
•*■*- cup ; and having given thanks, as hath been 
done in His Name, He gave it to the disciples ; say- 
ing, [here the cup is to be given,] This cup is the new 
testament in My blood, which is shed for many, for 
the remission of sins : drink ye all of it. For as often 
as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show 
the Lord's death till He come. 



" The Minister himself is to communicate, at such time as may appear to him 
most convenient." 



Which may be repeated by the Minister, at intervals of silence, during the 
participation. 



rjlHE Bread which we break, is the communion of 
J- the Body of Christ. 

I am the Bread of life, saith Jesus : he that cometh 
to Me shall never hunger ; and he that believeth on 
Me shall never thirst. 

The Son of Man came, to give His life a ransom for 
many. 

He was wounded for our transgressions, He was 
bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our 
peace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are 
healed. 



100 The Manner of Celebrating 

He was oppressed, and He was afflicted; jet He 
opened not His mouth. 

Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our 
sorrows. 

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the 
sin of the world. 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accepta- 
tion, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save 
sinners ; of whom I am the chief. 

Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy 
laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon 
you, and learn of Him : for He is meek and lowly in 
heart : and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

And now, little children, abide in Him ; that when 
He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be 
ashamed at His coming. 

rjlHE Cup of Blessing which we bless, is the commu- 
-*- nion of the Blood of Christ. 

I am the Vine, saith Jesus, ye are the branches ; 
abide in Me and I in you. 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay 
down his life for his friends : ye are My friends, if ye 
do whatsoever I command you. 



The Lord's Supper. 101 

God so loved the world, that He gave His only- 
begotten Son, that whosoever belie veth in Him should 
not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He 
laid down His life for us : and we ought to lay down 
our lives for the brethren. 

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be- 
stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of 
God. 

We know that when He shall appear, we shall be 
like Him : for we shall see Him as He is. 

It is a faithful saying, If we be dead with Him, we 
shall also live with Him : if we suffer, we shall also 
reign with Him. 

Fear not, little flock : it is your Father's good 
pleasure to give you the Kingdom. 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en- 
tered into the heart of men, the things which God 
hath prepared for them that love Him. 

Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, 
and will not tarry. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 

" Then the Minister is to pray and give thanks to God. 



102 The Manner of Celebrating 

thanksgiving. 
TTEAVENLY Father! we give Thee immortal 
-*--*- praise and thanks, that upon us poor sinners 
Thou hast conferred so rich a benefit, as to bring us 
into the communion of Thy Son Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Him having delivered up to death for us, 
Thou hast given for our food and nourishment unto 
eternal life. Now also grant us grace, that we may 
never be unmindful of these things ; but carrying them 
about engraven on our hearts, may advance and grow 
in that faith which is effectual unto every good work. 
Thus may the rest of our lives be ordered and followed 
out to Thy glory, and the good of our fellow-men : 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord : Who with Thee, 
Father ! and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth in 
the unity of the Godhead, world without end. Amen. 



" The collection for the poor, and to defray the expense of the elements, may 
be made after this ; or at such other time as may seem meet to the eldership." 



Which may be read during the collection for the poor. 

T) EMEMBER the words of the Lord Jesus, how He 
- 1 - ■ said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, 



The Lord's Supper. 103 

though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, 
that ye through His poverty might be rich. 

To do good and to communicate forget not : for with 
such sacrifices God is well pleased. 

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, 
so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity : for 
God loveth a cheerful giver. 

If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted accord- 
ing to that a man hath, and not according to that he 
hath not. 

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He 
said, Ye have the poor with you always, and when- 
soever ye will ye may do them good. 

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good 
unto all men, especially unto them who are of the 
Household of Faith. 

For the administration of this service not only sup- 
plieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by 
many thanksgivings unto God. 

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and la- 
bour of love, which ye have showed toward His 
Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and 
do minister. 

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. 



104 The Lord's Supper. 

"Now let a Psalm or Hymn be sung, and the congregation dismissed, with 
the following, or some other Gospel" 

BENEDICTION. 

"VTOW the God of Peace, that brought again from 
-*-* the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd 
of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting 
covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do 
His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing 
in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be 
glory for ever and ever. Amen. 



OTHER FORMS 



CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER, 



i. 

EXHORTATION. 

T\EARLY BELOVED in the Lord, forasmuch as 
^ we are now assembled to celebrate the holy 
Communion of the body and blood of our Saviour 
Christ, let us consider these words of St. Paul, how 
he exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine 
themselves, before they presume to eat of that bread, 
and to drink of that cup. For, as the benefit is great, 
if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we re- 
ceive that holy sacrament, for then we spiritually eat 
the flesh of Christ, and drink His blood ; then we 
dwell in Christ, and Christ in us ; we be one with 
Christ, and Christ with us : So is the danger great if 
we receive the same unworthily; for then we be 
guilty of the body and blood of Christ our Saviour ; 



106 Other Forms of Celebrating 

we eat and drink our own condemnation, not discern- 
ing the Lord's body; we kindle God's wrath against 
us, and provoke His punishment upon us. 

And, therefore, in the Name, and by the authority 
of the Eternal God, and of His Son Jesus Christ, I 
separate from this Table all blasphemers of God, all 
idolaters, all that be in malice or envy, all persons 
disobedient to father or mother, and finally all such as 
live a life directly fighting against the will of God : 
charging them, as they will answer in the presence of 
Him who is the righteous Judge, that they presume 
not to profane this most holy Table. 

And yet this I pronounce not to exclude any peni- 
tent person, how grievous soever his sins before have 
been, so that he feel in his heart unfeigned repentance 
for the same : but only such as continue in sin with- 
out repentance. Neither yet is this pronounced 
against such as aspire to a greater perfection than 
they can in this present life attain. For, albeit we 
feel in ourselves much frailty and wretchedness, as 
that we have not faith so perfect and constant as we 
ought, being many times ready to distrust God's 
goodness, through our corrupt nature ; and also that 
we are not so thoroughly given to serve God, neither 






The Lord's Supper. 107 

have we so fervent a zeal to set forth His glory, as our 
duty requireth ; feeling still such rebellion in our- 
selves, that we have need daily to fight against the 
lusts of the flesh : yet, nevertheless, seeing that our 
Lord hath dealt thus mercifully with us, that He hath 
printed His Gospel in our hearts, so that we are pre- 
served from falling into despair and unbelief; and 
seeing that He hath endued us with a will and desire 
to renounce and withstand our own affections, with a 
longing for His righteousness, and the keeping of His 
commandments : We may be now right well assured, 
that these failures and manifold imperfections shall be 
no such hindrance against us, as that He should not 
accept us. and count us worthy to come to His spirit- 
ual Table. For the end of our coming is not to pro- 
test that we are just and upright in our lives ; but 
contrariwise, we come to seek our life and perfection 
in Jesus Christ : acknowledging in the meantime that 
of ourselves we are children of wrath and condem- 
nation. 

Let us then consider this Sacrament as a precious 
medicine for all poor sick creatures, a comfortable help 
for weak souls ; and that our Lord requireth no other 
worthiness on our part, than this : that we unfeignedly 






108 Other Forms of Celebrating 

acknowledge our sinfulness and imperfection. Then 
to the end that we may be worthy partakers of His 
merits and most comfortable benefits, which is the 
true eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood, 
let us not suffer our minds to wander about the con- 
sideration of these earthly and corruptible things, 
which we see present to our eyes and feel with our 
hands ; to seek Christ bodily present in them, as if 
He were enclosed in the bread and wine, or as if these 
elements were turned and changed into the substance 
of His flesh and blood. But as the only way to dis- 
pose our souls to receive nourishment, relief, and 
quickening by His substance, let us lift up our minds 
by faith above all things worldly and sensible, and 
thereby enter into heaven, that we may find and re- 
ceive Christ where He dwelleth undoubtedly, very 
God and very man, in the incomprehensible glory of 
His Father : to Whom be all praise, honour, and 
glory, now and for ever. Amen. 

CONSECRATING PRAYER. 

f\ FATHER of Mercy, and God of all consola- 
^ tion ! Thou whom all creatures acknowledge 
and confess as Governor and Lord : It becomes us, 



The Lord's Supper. 109 

the workmanship of Thy hands, at all times to 
reverence and magnify Thy holy Majesty : for that 
Thou hast created us in Thine image ; but chiefly 
that Thou hast delivered us from everlasting death 
and condemnation, whereunto we were drawn by 
means of sin : from the bondage whereof neither man 
nor angel was able to set us free. And we do 
praise Thee, Lord ! that rich in mercy, and in- 
finite in goodness, Thou has provided our redemption 
to stand in Thine only and well-beloved Son : Whom 
of very love Thou didst give to be made man like 
unto us in all things, sin excepted ; in His body to 
receive the punishment of our transgression ; by His 
death to make satisfaction to Thy justice ; and through 
His resurrection to destroy him that was the author 
of death, and so to bring again life to the world, from 
which the whole offspring of Adam most justly was 
exiled. 

Lord ! we acknowledge that no creature is able 
to comprehend the length and breadth, the depth and 
height, of that Thy most excellent love : which moved 
Thee to show mercy where none was deserved; to 
promise and give life where death hath gotten the 
victory • to receive us again into Thy favour, when we 



110 Other Forms of Celebrating 

could do nothing but rebel against Thy law. Lord ! 
the blind dulness of our corrupt nature will not suffer 
us sufficiently to weigh these Thy most ample benefits. 
Yet, nevertheless, at the command of Jesus Christ 
our Lord, we present ourselves at this His Table, 
which He hath left to be used in remembrance of His 
death, until His coming again : to dedicate ourselves 
unto His service, renewing our vows, and engaging 
henceforth to obey His will : to declare and witness 
before the world, that by Him alone Thou dost ac- 
knowledge us Thy children ; that by Him alone we 
have access to Thy throne of grace : that by Him 
alone we are brought into His spiritual Kingdom, to 
eat and drink at His Table ; with Whom we have our 
conversation even now in heaven ; and by Whom our 
bodies shall be raised up again from the dust, and 
shall be placed with Him in that endless joy, which 
Thou, Father of Mercy ! hadst prepared for Thine 
elect before the foundation of the world was laid. 
And these most inestimable benefits, we acknowledge 
to have received of Thy free mercy and grace, by 
Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord : 
for the which, therefore, we, Thy congregation, moved 
by Thy Holy Spirit, will render all thanks, praise, and 
glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 



The Lord's Supper. Ill 

THANKSGIVING. 

~jl /J~OST Merciful Father ! we render Thee all praise, 
-*•"-*- thanks, and glor y, for that it hath pleased Thee, 
of Thy great mercies, to grant us, miserable sinners, 
so excellent a gift, as to receive us into the fellowship 
and company of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord : 
Whom Thou hast delivered to death for us, and given 
as our needful food and nourishment unto everlasting 
life. And now we beseech Thee also, Heavenly 
Father ! to grant our prayer, that Thou wilt never 
suffer us to forget these worthy benefits ; but rather 
imprint and fasten them surely in our hearts, that we 
may grow and increase daily more and more in that 
true faith, which is continually exercised in all man- 
ner of good works. Confirm us, Lord ! that we 
may stand immoveable in the profession of Thy Name, 
to the advancement of Thy glory, who art God over 
all things, blessed for ever. So be it. Amen. 

ii. 

EXHORTATION. 

~\T OU are invited hither, dear Brethren, to be guests 
'-*- at this holy Table, by the Lord's command ; to 
receive the greatest mercy, and to perform the greatest 



112 Other Forms of Celebrating 

duty. On Christ's part all things are made ready. 
The feast is prepared for you, even for you that by sin 
have deserved to be cast out of the presence of the 
Lord ; for you that have so oft neglected and abused 
mercy : a feast of the body and blood of Christ, free to 
you, but dear to Him. You were lost, and in the way 
to be lost for ever ; when by the greatest miracle of 
condescending love, He sought and saved you. You 
were dead in sin, condemned by the law, the slaves of 
Satan ; there wanted nothing but the executing stroke 
of justice to have sent you into endless misery : when 
our Redeemer pitied you in your blood, and shed His 
own to wash and heal you. He suffered who was of- 
fended, that the offender might not suffer. He cried 
out on the cross, My God, my God, why hast Thou 
forsaken me ? that we, who had deserved it, might not 
be everlastingly forsaken. He died, that we might 
live. 0, how should this mercy of redemption affect 
you ! See here Christ dying, in this holy representa- 
tion ! Behold the sacrificed Lamb of God, that taketh 
away the sin of the world. It is His will to be thus 
frequently crucified before our eyes. 0, how should 
we be covered with shame, and loathe ourselves, who 
have both procured the death of Christ by sin, and sin- 



The Lord's Supper. 113 

ned against it. And how should we all be filled with 
joy, who have such mysteries of mercy opened, and so 
great salvation freely offered to us. 0, then, hate sin. 
0, love this Saviour. See that you come not hither with- 
out a desire to be more holy ; nor with a purpose to go 
on in wilful sin. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. 
But if you heartily repent, and consent to the cove- 
nant, come, and welcome. We have commission from 
Christ to tell you that you are welcome. Let no 
trembling, contrite soul draw back, that is willing to be 
Christ's, upon His covenant terms: but believe that 
Christ is much more willing to be yours. He was first 
willing, and therefore died for you, and made the cove- 
nant of grace, and sent to invite and importune you to 
consent, and stayed for you so long, and gave you your 
repentance, your willingness, and desire. Question not 
then His willingness, if you are willing : it is Satan 
and unbelief that would have you question it, to the 
injury both of Christ and you. Come near, observe, 
believe, and wonder at the riches of His love and grace : 
for He hath Himself invited you to see and taste, that 
you might wonder. You are sinners : but He inviteth 
you to receive a renewed, sealed pardon of your sins, 
and promises to give you more of His Spirit to overcome 



114 Other Forms or Celebrating 

them. See here His broken body and His blood, the tes- 
timonies of His willingness. Thus hath He sealed the 
covenant, which pardoneth all your sins, and secureth 
to you your reconciliation with God, and your adop- 
tion, and your right to everlasting blessedness. Deny 
not your consent, but heartily give up yourselves to 
Christ : and then doubt not that your scarlet, crimson 
sins shall be made as white as wool or snow. Object 
not the number or greatness of them against His grace : 
there is none too great for Him to pardon to penitent 
believers. But strive you then for great loathing of 
your sins, and greater love to such a God, and greater 
thanks to such a Saviour. Unfeignedly say, I am 
willing, Lord, to be wholly Thine : and then believ- 
ingly take Christ, and pardon, and life, as given you 
by His own appointment in the sealed covenant. And 
remember that He is coming. He is coming with 
thousands of His mighty angels, to execute judgment 
on the ungodly ; but to be glorified in His saints, and 
admired in all that do believe. And then we shall 
have greater things than these. Then shall you see 
all the promises fulfilled, which now are sealed to you, 
on which He causeth you to trust. Revive now your 
love to one another, and forgive those that have 



The Lord's Supper. 115 

wronged you, and delight in the communion of saints : 
and then you shall be admitted into the Church tri- 
umphant, where, with perfect saints, you shall per- 
fectly rejoice, and love and praise the Lord for ever. 
Receive now a crucified Christ here represented, and 
be content to take up your cross, and follow Him. 
And then you shall reign with a glorified Christ, in 
the blessed vision and fruition of that God, to whom 
by Christ you are now reconciled. Let faith and love 
be working upon these things, whilst you are at this 
holy Table. 

CONSECRATING PRAYER. 

A LMIGHTY God, Thou art the Creator and the 
-*--*- Lord of all things. Thou art the sovereign Maj- 
esty whom we have offended. Thou art our most lov- 
ing and merciful Father, who hast given Thy Son to 
reconcile us to Thyself: who hath ratified the new 
testament and covenant of grace with His most precious 
blood ; and hath instituted this holy Sacrament to be 
celebrated in remembrance of Him till His coming. 
Sanctify these Thy creatures of bread and wine, which 
according to Thy institution and command we set apart 



116 Other Forms of Celebrating 

to this holy use, that they may be sacramentally the 
body and blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ. 

Most merciful Saviour, as Thou hast loved us to 
the death, and suffered for our sins, the just for the 
unjust, and hast instituted this holy ordinance to be 
used in remembrance of Thee till Thy coming : We 
beseech Thee, by Thine intercession with the Father, 
through the sacrifice of Thy body and blood, give us 
the pardon of our sins, and Thy quickening Spirit, 
without which the flesh will profit us nothing. Re- 
concile us to the Father ; nourish us as Thy members 
to everlasting life. 

Most Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and 
the Son ; by whom Christ was conceived ; by whom 
the prophets and apostles were inspired, and the minis- 
ters of Christ are qualified and called ; Thou that 
dwellest and workest in all the members of Christy 
whom thou sanctifiest to the image and for the service 
of their Head, and comfortest that they may show forth 
His praise : Illuminate us, that by faith we may see 
Him who is here represented to us. Soften our 
hearts, and humble us for our sins. Sanctify and 
quicken us, that we may relish the spiritual food, and 
feed on it to our nourishment and growth in grace. 



The Loed's Sup pee. 117 

Shed abroad the love of God upon our hearts, and 
draw them out in love to Him. Fill us with thank- 
fulness and holy joy, and with love to one another. 
Comfort us by witnessing that we are the children of 
God. Confirm us for new obedience. Be Thou the earn- 
est of our inheritance, and seal us unto everlasting life. 
Accept us, Lord ! who resign ourselves unto 
Thee as Thine own ; and with our thanks and praise, 
present ourselves a living sacrifice, to be acceptable 
through Christ, useful for Thine honour, through 
time, and through eternity. Being made free from 
sin, and become Thy servants, let us have our fruit 
unto holiness, and the end everlasting life : Through 
Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 

THANKSGIVING. 

"I /TOST Glorious God, how wonderful Thy power 
■*'-*- and wisdom, Thy holiness and justice, Thy 
love and mercy, in this work of redemption, by the 
incarnation, life, death, resurrection, intercession, and 
lominion of Thy Son ! No wisdom or power in 
heaven or earth could have delivered us but Thine. 
The angels desire to look into this mystery : the 
heavenly host do celebrate it with praises, saying, 



118 Other Forms of Celebrating 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good 
will toward men. The whole creation shall proclaim 
Thy praises : Blessing, honour, glory, and power, be 
unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the 
Lamb forever and ever. Worthy is the Lamb that 
was slain, to receive power, and honour, and glory : 
for He hath redeemed us to God by His blood, and 
made us kings and priests unto our God. And hast 
Thou indeed forgiven us so great a debt, by so pre- 
cious a ransom ? Wilt Thou indeed give us to reign 
with Christ in glory, and see Thy face, and love Thee, 
and be loved of Thee for ever ? Yea, Lord ! Thou 
hast forgiven us, and wilt glorify us ; for Thou art 
faithful that hast promised. set our affections on 
the things above : let our conversation be in heaven, 
from whence we expect our Saviour to come and 
change us into the likeness of His glory. Then will 
we perfectly praise and worthily magnify Thee for 
ever, Father, Sod, and Holy Ghost : to whom be 
glory. Amen. 

hi. 

exhortation. 

nnHAT we may now celebrate the Supper of the 

-*- Lord to our comfort, it is necessary, first, that 



The Lord's Supper. 119 

every one consider by himself his sins, and the curse 
due to him for them : to the end that he may abhor 
and humble himself before God ; considering that the 
wrath of God against sin is so great, that rather than 
it should go unpunished, He hath punished the same 
in His beloved Son Jesus Christ, with the bitter and 
shameful death of the cross. 

Secondly, Let every one examine his own heart, 
whether he doth believe this faithful promise of God : 
that all his sins are forgiven him, only for the sake 
of the passion and death of Jesus Christ; and that 
the perfect righteousness of Christ is imputed and 
freely given to him as his own ; yea, so perfectly, as 
if he had in his own person satisfied for all his sins, 
and fulfilled all righteousness. 

Thirdly, Let every one examine his own conscience, 
whether he hath resolved henceforth to show true 
thankfulness to God in his whole life, and to walk 
uprightly before Him : and also whether he hath laid 
aside unfeignedly all enmity, hatred, and envy, and 
doth firmly resolve henceforward to walk in true love 
and peace with his neighbour. 

All those who are thus disposed, God will certainly 
receive in mercy, and count them worthy partakers at 



120 Othek Forms of Celebrating 

the table of His Son Jesus Christ. On the contrary, 
those who do not feel this testimony in their hearts, 
eat and drink judgment to themselves. Therefore, we 
also, according to the command of Christ and the 
Apostle Paul, admonish all those who know them- 
selves to be defiled with the following sins, to keep 
themselves from the Table of the Lord ; and declare 
to them that they have no part in the Kingdom of 
Christ. Such as are idolaters ; all those who use or 
confide in any form of divination ; all despisers of God 
and of His Word, and of the holy Sacraments; all 
profane or false swearers; contentious persons, and 
those that live in hatred and envy against their neigh- 
bours; all unclean persons, drunkards, thieves, liars, 
slanderers, covetous ; and all who lead offensive lives. 
These, while they continue in such sins, shall abstain 
from this meat which Christ hath ordained only for 
the faithful ; lest their judgment and condemnation be 
made the heavier. 

But this is not designed, dearly beloved brethren 
and sisters in the Lord, to deject the contrite hearts of 
the faithful ; as if none might come to this Supper, but 
such as are without sin. For we do not come to this 
Supper to testify thereby that we are perfect and right- 



The Lo-ed's Supper. 121 

eous in ourselves : but, on the contrary, since we are 
seeking our life out of ourselves, in Jesus Christ, we 
acknowledge by this very service that we lie in the 
midst of death. Therefore, notwithstanding we still 
find many short-comings and miseries in ourselves : as 
namely, that we have not perfect faith ; and that we do 
not give ourselves to serve God with that zeal as we 
are bound ; but have daily to strive with the weakness 
of our faith, and the evil lusts of our own flesh : 
yet since, by the grace of the Holy Ghost, we 
are sorry for these weaknesses, and earnestly de- 
sirous to fight against our unbelief, and to live ac- 
cording to all the commandments of God : Therefore 
we rest assured, that no sin or infirmity which still 
against our will remaineth in us, can hinder us from 
being received of God in mercy, and thus made wor- 
thy partakers of this heavenly meat and drink. 

Let us now also consider to what end the Lord hath 
instituted His Supper: namely, That we do it in 
remembrance of Him. Now after this manner are we 
to remember Him in it. First, We must be confi- 
dently persuaded in our hearts, that our Lord Jesus 
Christ was sent of the Father into the world ; He 

assumed our flesh and blood ; He bore for us the wrath 

6 



122 Other Forms of Celebrating 

of God, under which we should have perished ever- 
lastingly, from the beginning of His incarnation to the 
end of His life upon earth ; especially when the weight 
of our sins and of the wrath of God pressed out of 
Him the bloody sweat in the garden, where He was 
bound that our bonds might be loosed. Afterwards 
He suffered innumerable revilings, that we might 
never come to shame. In His innocence He was con- 
demned to death, that we might be acquitted at the 
judgment-seat of God. Yea, He suffered His blessed 
body to be nailed on the Cross, that He might fasten 
thereon that handwriting of our sins. He hath also 
taken upon Himself the curse due to us, that He 
might fill us with His blessings ; and humbled Him- 
self unto the deepest reproach and pains of hell, in 
body and in soul, on the tree of the Cross, when He 
cried with a loud voice, My God, my God, why hast 
Thou forsaken me : that we might be made nigh unto 
God, and never be forsaken of Him. And finally He 
confirmed with His death, and the sheddmg of His 
blood, the new and eternal testament, that covenant of 
grace and reconciliation ; when He said, It is finished. 
And that we might firmly believe that we belong to 
this covenant of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ hath 



The Lord's Sup pee. 123 

ordained this Holy Supper, and said. This do in re- 
membrance of Me : That is, as often as ye eat of 
this bread, and driDk of this cup, ye shall thereby, as 
by a sure memorial and pledge, be admonished and 
assured of this my hearty love and faithfulness toward 
you. That whereas you should otherwise have suffered 
eternal death, I have given my body to the death of 
the Cross, and have shed my blood for you, and with 
my crucified body and shed blood do nourish your 
hungry and thirsty souls to everlasting life, as surely 
as this bread is broken before your eyes, and this cup 
is given to you, and you eat and drink the same with 
your mouth, in remembrance of Me. 

From this institution of the Holy Supper of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, we see that He directs our faith 
and trust to His perfect sacrifice, once offered on the 
Cross, as to the only ground of our salvation : wherein 
He is become to our hungry and thirsty souls the 
true meat and drink of life eternal. For, by His 
death He hath taken away the cause of our eternal 
death and misery : namely, sin : and obtained for us 
the life-giving Spirit; that we by the same, which 
dwelleth in Christ as in the Head, and in us as in His 
members, might have true communion with Him, and 



124 Other Forms of Celebrating 

be made partakers of all His blessings, of life eternal, 
righteousness, and glory. And, furthermore, that we 
by the same Spirit may also be united as members of 
one Body in true brotherly love ; as the holy Apostle 
saith, For we being many are one bread and one body : 
for we are all partakers of that one bread. For as 
out of many grains one meal is ground and one bread 
baked ; and out of many berries being pressed to- 
gether one wine floweth and mixeth itself together : so 
all we, who by a true faith are engrafted into Christ, 
shall through brotherly love be one body, for the sake 
of Christ our beloved Saviour, who hath first so ex- 
ceedingly loved us. And this we shall show not only 
in word, but also in very deed. 

Hereto assist us the Almighty God and Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, through His Holy Spirit. Amen. 

That we may obtain all this, let us humble our- 
selves before God, and with true faith implore , His 
grace. 

CONSECRATING PRAYER. 

f\ MOST Merciful God and Father! we beseech 
^ Thee that in this Supper, by which we celebrate 
the glorious remembrance of the bitter death of Thy 
beloved Son Jesus Christ, Thou wilt so work in our 



The Lord's Supper. 125 

hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that with true confidence 
we may more and more give ourselves up unto Thy 
Son Jesus Christ ; that our burdened and fainting 
hearts may, through the power of the Holy Ghost, be 
fed and comforted with His true body and blood, yea, 
with Him, true God and man, that only heavenly 
Bread. And may we no longer live in our sins, but 
He in us and we in Him ; and thus be true partakers 
of the new and everlasting covenant of grace. May 
we not doubt that Thou wilt for ever be our gracious 
Father, never more imputing our sins unto us ; and 
providing us, as Thy beloved children and heirs, with 
all things necessary as well for the body as the soul. 
Grant us also Thy grace, that we may cheerfully take 
upon us our cross, deny ourselves, confess our Saviour, 
and in all tribulations with uplifted heads expect our 
Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, where He will make 
our mortal bodies like unto His most glorious body, 
and take us to be for ever with Himself. 

Our Father, etc. 

Strengthen us also by this holy Supper in the 
Catholic undoubted Christian Faith, whereof we make 
confession with our mouths and hearts, saying : 

I believe in God, etc. 



126 Othek Forms of Celebrating 

FT1HAT we may now be fed with the true heavenly 
~ Bread, Christ Jesus, let us not cleave with our 
hearts to the external bread and wine, but let us lift 
them up on high, where Christ Jesus is our Advocate, 
at the right hand of His heavenly Father ; whither all 
the articles of our faith lead us : not doubting that 
through the working of the Holy Ghost, we shall be 
fed and refreshed in our souls with His body and 
blood, as surely as we receive the holy bread and wine 
in remembrance of Him. 

After the Communion, the Minister shall say : 

TIELOVED in the Lord, since the Lord hath now 
-^ fed our souls at His Table, let us therefore jointly 
praise His holy Name with thanksgiving, and every 
one say in his heart thus : 

Bless the Lord, my soul : and all that is within 
me, bless His holy Name. 

Bless the Lord, my soul : and forget not all His 
benefits. 

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities : who healeth all 
thy diseases. 

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction : who 
crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies. 



The Loed's Supper. 127 

The Lord is merciful and gracious : slow to anger, 
and plenteous in mercy. 

He hath not dealt with us after our sins : nor re- 
warded us according to our iniquities. 

For as the heaven is high above the earth : so great 
is His mercy toward them that fear Him. 

As far as the east is from the west : so far hath 
He removed our transgressions from us. 

Like as a father pitieth his children : so the Lord 
pitieth them that fear Him. 

"Who hath not spared His own Son, but delivered 
Him up for us all : and given us all things with 
Him. 

Therefore God commendeth His love towards us : 
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for 
us. 

Much more then, being now justified by His blood : 
we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled 
to God by the death of His Son : much more, being 
reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 

Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the 
praises of the Lord : from this time forth for ever- 
more. Amen. 



128 The Lord's Supper, 

thanksgiving. 
Let every one say with an attentive heart : 

f\ ALMIGHTY, Merciful God and Father, with our 
^ whole hearts we thank Thee, that Thou hast of 
Thy boundless mercy given us Thine only-begotten 
Son, to be our Mediator, and the sacrifice for our sins, 
and our meat and drink unto life eternal. We bless 
Thee that Thou givest us lively faith, whereby we are 
made partakers of such Thy benefits : and hast been 
pleased that Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ should or- 
dain His holy Supper for the confirmation of the same. 
Grant then, we beseech Thee, faithful God and 
Father, that through the working of Thy Holy Spirit, 
this remembrance made of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and this showing forth of His death, may tend to the 
daily increase of our faith and saving fellowship with 
Him : unto Whom, as unto Thee, Father ! and the 
Holy Ghost, be honour and praise for ever. Amen. 






THE FORM 



OF ADMINISTERING 



THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 



THE FORM 



OF ADMINISTERING 



THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 



" Baptism is not to be unnecessarily delayed ; nor to be administered, in any 
case, by any private person : but by a Minister of Christ, called to be a steward 
of the Mysteries of God. 

'•'It is usually to be administered in the Church, in the presence of the con- 
gregation; and it is convenient that it be performed immediately after 
sermon. 

" After previous notice is given to the Minister, the child to be baptized is 
to be presented, by one or both of the parents, signifying their desire that the 
child may be baptized. 

" Before Baptism, let the Minister use some words of instruction, respecting 
the institution, nature, use, and ends of this ordinance ; showing 

" ' That it is instituted by Christ ; that it is a seal of the righteousness of 
faith ; that the seed of the faithful have no less a right to this ordinance, under 
the Gospel, than the seed of Abraham to circumcision, under the Old Testa- 
ment ; that Christ commanded all nations to be baptized ; that He blessed 
little children, declaring that of such is the kingdom of heaven; that children 
are federally holy, and therefore ought to be baptized ; that we are, by nature, 
sinful, guilty, and polluted, and have need of cleansing by the blood of Christ, 
and by the sanctifying influences of the Spirit of God.' " 







UR help is in the Name of the Lord, who made 
heaven and earth. Amen. 



Do you present this child to be baptized ? 
Answer : We do. 



132 The Form of Administering 



o 



UK. Lord showeth us in what poverty and misery 
we all are born, when He saith that we must be 
born again. For if a renewal of our nature be neces- 
sary, in order that we may enter the Kingdom of God : 
This signifies that it is originally guilty and depraved. 
Thus He teacheth us that we must humble ourselves, 
and become displeased with ourselves ; and thus He 
prepares us to desire and seek His grace : whereby all 
our depravity and the guilt of our former nature shall be 
done away. For we are not capable of receiving that 
grace, unless we be first emptied of all confidence in 
our own strength, righteousness, and wisdom, even so 
as to condemn all that is in ourselves. 

Now, when our Lord hath shown us our misery, He 
doth likewise comfort us by His merciful assurance : 
promising to regenerate us by His Holy Spirit in a 
new life, that shall be to us as it were an entrance 
into His Kingdom. This regeneration consists of two 
parts : First, That we renounce ourselves, not follow- 
ing our own reason, pleasure, and will ; but bringing 
into subjection our understanding and affections to the 
wisdom and righteousness of God ; and mortifying all 
that is of us and of our flesh. And secondly, That 
we follow God's light, obeying and delighting our- 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 133 

selves in His good pleasure, as He manifests it by His 
Word, and leads us to it by His Spirit. The fulfil- 
ment of both these parts is to be found in our Lord 
Jesus Christ; Whose passion and death are of such 
power, that, participating in them, we besome as it were 
buried unto sin, that our carnal lusts may be morti- 
fied and slain. So too by the power of His resurrec- 
tion, we are raised to newness of life in God, by so 
much as His Spirit conducts and governs us, to work 
in us the things that are well-pleasing to Him. But 
the first and principal point of our salvation is, that 
by His mercy He remits to us all our offences, not im- 
puting them unto us, but destroying even the re- 
membrance of them, that they come not into account 
at His judgment. 

These benefits are conferred when God is pleased to 
incorporate us into His Church by Baptism. For in 
this Sacrament He testifies to us the remission of our 
sins. And for this cause He ordained the sign of 
water, figuring to us that as by this element the stains 
of the body are cleansed, so He is willing to wash and 
purify our souls, that no spot may any longer appear 
upon them. Here also He doth represent to us our 
regeneration ; which, as we have said, consists in the 



134 The Form of Administering 

mortifying of our flesh, and the spiritual life, which 
He produces in us. Thus we receive in Baptism a 
twofold benefit from our God; provided that we de- 
stroy not the virtue of this sacrament by our ingrati- 
tude : to wit, We have here a sure pledge that God is 
willing to be our propitiated Father, not imputing to 
us our sins and offences ; and secondly, that He will 
assist us by His Holy Spirit, to fight against the devil, 
sin, and the lusts of our flesh, even so as to gain the 
victory over them, and to live in the liberty of His king- 
dom, which is a kingdom of righteousness and peace. 
Since, therefore, these two things are accomplished in 
us by the grace of Christ, it follows that the virtue 
and the substance of Baptism are both included in 
Him. And in fact we have no other cleansing than 
by His blood ; and we have no other renewal than by 
His death and resurrection ; and the same blessings 
that He communicates to us by His Word, He also 
distributes to us by His Sacraments. 

But our gracious God is not content to have adopted 
us for His children, and received us into the com- 
munion of His Church : He hath chosen more fully to 
extend His goodness over us ; promising that He will 
be our God. and the God of our seed, unto a thousand 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 135 

generations. And although the children of believers 
belong to the corrupt race of Adam, He nevertheless 
fails not to accept them by virtue of this Covenant, 
and adopt them into the number of His People. 
Hence from the beginning He chose that in His 
Church the children should receive the sign of cir- 
cumcision, whereby He then represented all that to- 
day is manifested in Baptism. And as He command- 
ed that they should be circumcised, so He adopted 
them for His children, and called Himself their God, 
as He was the God of their fathers. 

Now, therefore, since our Lord Jesus came down to 
earth, not to diminish the grace of God His Father, 
but so to enlarge the Covenant of salvation which then 
was confined to the people of the Jews, as to include 
the whole world : there can be no doubt that our chil- 
dren are the heirs of that life which He hath promised 
to grant. And for this cause St. Paul hath said, that 
they are sanctified of God from the womb, that they 
may be distinguished from the children of heathen and 
unbelievers. And therefore our Lord Jesus Christ 
received the children that were brought to Him, as it 
is written in the Gospel : 



136 The Form of Administering 

np.HEN were there brought unto Him little children, 
-*- that He should put His hands on them, and pray : 
and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suf- 
fer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto 
Me ; for of such is the kingdom of hoaven. 

Since then He declares that the kingdom of heaven 
belongs unto them ; since He layeth His hands upon 
them, and commendeth them to God His Father : He 
doth sufficiently teach us, that we must not exclude 
them from His Church. Therefore, in pursuance of 
this rule, we shall receive this child into His Church, 
to the end that he may be made partaker of the bless- 
ings which God hath promised to the faithful. And 
first of all we shall present him to God by our prayers, 
humbly saying with all our hearts thus : 

" Then the Minister is to pray for a blessing to attend this ordinance." 
PRAYER. 

T ORD God, Eternal and Almighty Father ! since it 
■L* hath pleased Thee of Thine infinite mercy to 
promise, that Thou wilt be a God to us and to our chil- 
dren : We pray Thee to confirm this grace unto the 
child here present, begotten and born of parents whom 
Thou hast called into Thy Church. And even as he 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 137 

is offered and consecrated unto Thee by us, so wilt 
Thou receive him into Thy holy protection, declaring 
Thyself to be his God and Saviour, forgiving him the 
original sin whereof the whole race of Adam is guilty, 
and sanctifying him by Thy Holy Spirit : that when 
he shall come to years of discretion, he may know and 
worship Thee as his only God, and glorify Thee 
throughout all his life. And to obtain such mercies, 
wilt Thou be pleased to incorporate him into the fel- 
lowship of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he may have a 
part in all His benefits, as a member of His Body, 
Grant, Father of Mercies, that the Baptism we confer 
upon him according to Thine Ordinance, may produce 
its fruit, and manifest its power, even as Thou bast 
declared in the Gospel of Thy Son : Who hath taught 
us to say : 

/^VUR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
>* Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but 
deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 



138 The Form of Administering 



'The Minister is also to exhort the oarents to the careful performance of 
their duty: requiring, 



A S this child is to be received into the fellowship of 
.-*■ the Christian Church, you do promise, when he 
is come to years of discretion, to instruct him in the 
doctrine embraced by God's People, and summarily 
comprehended in our common Confession of Faith, to 
wit: 

I believe in- God the Father Almighty, Maker of 
heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ His only Son, 
our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was 
crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended into hell ; 
the third day He rose again from the dead ; He as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of 
God the Father Almighty ; from thence He shall come 
to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the 
Holy Ghost ; the holy Catholic Church, the Commu- 
nion of Saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrec- 
tion of the body ; and the life everlasting. Amek. 

You promise that you will teach this ohild to read 
the Word of God. You will instruct him in the prin- 
ciples of our holy Religion, as contained in the Scrip- 
tures of the Old and New Testaments. • Y T ou will teach 



The Sackament of Baptism. 139 

him to repeat the Catechism, the Apostles' Creed, and 
the Lord's Prayer. You will pray with and for this 
child ; you will set an example of piety and godliness 
before him ; and endeavour, by all the means of God's 
appointment, to bring him up in the nurture and ad- 
monition of the Lord. 



" These promises being made, the child shall be named ; and the Minister 
calling him by his name, shall say : 



I 



BAPTIZE thee in the Name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 



" As he pronounces these words, he is to baptize the child with water, ^bj 
pouring or sprinkling on the face of the child, without adding any other cerer 
mony : and the whole shall be concluded with prayer.'' 



THANKSGIVING. 

TTfE lift up our eyes unto Thee, most Holy and 
' " Merciful Father ! Who not only dost bless us 
with the common benefits bestowed upon mankind, but 
also dost lavish the precious and wonderful gifts of 
Thy Gospel upon us : and we give Thee most humble 
thanks for Thine infinite goodness : that Thou hast 
numbered us among Thy Saints, and of Thy free grace 
hast called our children unto Thee ; marking them 
with this Sacrament, as a singular badge and token 



140 The Sacrament of Baptism. 

of Thy love. Wherefore, most loving Father ! though 
we deserve not so great a benefit, we beseech Thee 
for Christ's sake to confirm Thy favour more and 
more towards us : and take into Thy tuition and de- 
fence, this child, whom we offer and present unto Thee 
with our common supplications. Suffer him never to 
fall into ingratitude, and to lose the force of Baptism ; 
but may he perceive Thee continually to be his Mer- 
ciful Father, through Thy Holy Spirit working in 
his heart ; by whose divine power he may so prevail 
against Satan, that in the end obtaining the victory, 
he may be exalted into the liberty of Thy Kingdom : 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



OTHER FORMS 



FOE THE ADMINISTERING OF 



THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, 



-<»♦••»♦« »> 



L 

ADDRESS. 

I" ET us consider, dearly beloved, how Almighty God 
-^ hath not only made us His children by adoption, 
receiving us into the fellowship of His Church : but 
also hath promised that He will be our God. and the 
God of our children, unto a thousand generations. 
Which promise, confirmed to His People in the Old 
Testament by the Sacrament of Circumcision, He 
hath renewed to us in His New Testament by the 
Sacrament of Baptism : giving us thereby to know, 
that our infants belong to Him by covenant, and there- 
fore ought not to be deprived of those holy signs and 
badges, whereby His children are known from un- 
believers. 

Neither is it requisite that all those who receive this 



142 Other Forms of Administering 

Sacrament should have the use of understanding and 
faith : but chiefly that they be contained under the 
name of God's People, so that remission of sins in the 
blood of Christ Jesus doth pertain unto them by the 
promise of God. This is most evident from the words 
of St. Paul, who pronounces the children begotten 
and born, either of the parents being faithful, to be 
clean and holy. Also our Saviour Christ admitteth 
children to His presence, embracing and blessing 
them. Which testimonies of the Holy Ghost assure 
us, that infants are of the number of God's People, 
and that remission of sins doth also belong to them in 
Christ. Therefore they can not without injury be 
debarred from the common sign of God's children. 

Further, it is evident that Baptism was ordained to 
be ministered in the element of water, to teach us 
that, like as water outwardly doth wash away the filth 
of the body, so inwardly doth the virtue of Christ's 
blood cleanse our souls from that corruption wherewith 
hj nature we were infected ; whose venomous dregs, 
although they continue in this our flesh, yet by the 
merits of His death are not imputed unto us, because 
the righteousness of Jesus Christ is made ours by Bap- 
tism. Not that we deem any such virtue or power to 



The Sackament of Baptism. 143 

be included in the visible water, or outward action; 
for many have been baptized, and yet never inwardly 
cleansed : But that our Saviour Christ, who command- 
ed Baptism to be ministered, will, by the power of 
His Holy Spirit, effectually work in the hearts of 
His Elect, in time convenient, all that is meant and 
signified by the same. And this the Scripture calls 
our regeneration ; which consists chiefly in these two 
points : mortification, that is to say a resisting of the 
rebellious lusts of the flesh ; and newness of life, 
whereby we continually strive to walk in the pureness 
and perfection wherewith we are clad in Baptism. 

And although in the journey of this life we are as- 
sailed with many foes, yet do we not fight without 
fruit. For this constant battle which we wage against 
sin, death, and hell, is a most infallible argument that 
God the Father, mindful of His promise made unto 
us in Christ Jesus, doth not only give us desire and 
courage to resist them, but also assurance to overcome. 
Wherefore, dearly deloved, it is not only necessary 
that we be once baptized, but also it profiteth much to 
be often present at this ministration ; that being put 
in mind of the league and covenant made between God 
and us, that He will be our God, and we His People, 



144 Other Forms of Administering 

He our Father, and we His children, we may have 
occasion to try as well our past lives as our present 
conversation; and to prove ourselves, whether we 
stand fast in the faith of God's Elect, or have strayed 
from Him through unbelief and ungodly lives. If our 
consciences do thus accuse us, yet by hearing the lov- 
ing promises of our heavenly Father, who calls all 
men to mercy by repentance, we may henceforth walk 
more warily in our vocation. Moreover, ye that be 
fathers and mothers, should take peculiar comfort in 
seeing your children thus received into the bosom of 
Christ's Congregation: whereby you are admonished 
to nourish and bring up the children of God's favour 
and mercy, over whom His fatherly providence con- 
tinually watches. 

And as this ought greatly to rejoice you, knowing 
that nothing can happen unto them without His good 
pleasure, so should it make you diligent and careful to 
nurture and instruct them in the true knowledge and 
fear of God. Wherein if ye be negligent, ye do not 
only injure your own children, hiding from them the 
good will and pleasure of Almighty God their Father : 
but also you heap upon yourselves judgment, in suffer- 
ing His children, bought with the blood of His dear 



The Sacra m.e nt of Baptism. 145 

Son, so treacherously for lack of knowledge to turn 
away from Him. Hence it is your duty with all dili- 
gence to provide that your children, in due time, be 
instructed in all knowledge necessary for a true Chris- 
tian: chiefly that they be taught to rest upon the 
righteousness of Christ Jesus alone, and to abhor and 
flee all superstition and idolatry. And now to the 
intent that we may be assured that you, the parents 
of this child, consent to the performance of all this : 
Declare here, before the face of God's Congregation, 
the sum of that Faith wherein ye believe, and will in- 
struct your child. 



Then the father, or in his absence the godfather, shall rehearse the articles 
of his faith, as follows : 



I believe in God, etc. 



prater. 

A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who of Thine 
-^-*- infinite mercy and goodness hast promised unto 
us that Thou wilt be not only our God, but also the 
God and Father of our children : We beseech Thee, 
that having called us to be partakers of this Thy great 
mercy, in the fellowship of faith, it may please Thee 
to sanctify with Thy Holy Spirit, and to receive into 



146 Other Forms of Administering 

the number of Thy children this infant, whom we 
shall baptize according to Thy Word : That he. com- 
ing to perfect age, may confess Thee the only true 
God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent ; and 
may so serve Him, and be profitable unto His Church, 
in the whole course of his life, that this life ended, he 
may be brought, as a lively member of His body, unto 
the full fruition of Thy joys in the heavens : where 
Thy Son, our Saviour Christ, reigneth with Thee and 
the Holy Ghost, world without end. And in His 
Name we pray, as He hath taught us, saying : 
Our Father, etc. 

The administration of the ordinance as in the preceding form. 

II. 
ADDRESS. 

T)APTISM is an holy Sacrament instituted by 
-*-* Christ : in which a person professing the Chris- 
tian Faith, or the infant of such, is baptized with water 
into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost : in signification and solemnization of 
the holy covenant in which as a believer, or the seed 
of believers, he giveth up himself, or is by the parent 
given up, to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost : 



The Sacrament- of Baptism. 147 

to believe in, love, and fear this blessed Trinity, against 
the flesh, the devil, and the world. Thus he is sol- 
emnly entered a visible member of Christ and His 
Church, a child of God, and an heir of heaven. How 
great now is this mercy, and how great the duty that 
is before you ! Is it a small mercy, for this child to 
be accepted into the covenant of God, and washed from 
his original sin in the blood of Christ — which is sig- 
nified and sealed by this sacramental washing in water : 
— to be accepted as a member of Christ and of His 
Church, where He vouchsafes His protection and pro- 
vision, and the means and Spirit of grace, and the re- 
newed pardon of sin upon repentance ? The duty on 
your part is, first, to see that you are stedfast in the 
faith and covenant of Christ ; that you perish not 
yourself; that your child is indeed the child of a be- 
liever : And then, you are believingly and thankfully 
to dedicate your child to God, and to enter him into 
the covenant in which you stand. And you must 
know that your faith, and consent, and dedication, will 
suffice for your children no longer than until they 
come to age themselves : and then they must own 
their baptismal covenant, and personally renew it, and 
consent and give themselves up to God, or else they 



148 Othek Forms of Administering 

will not be owned by Christ. You must therefore ac- 
quaint them with the doctrine of the Gospel as they 
grow up 3 and with the covenant now made : and bring 
them up in the fear of the Lord. And when they are 
actually penitent believers, they must present them- 
selves to the Pastors of the Church, to be approved 
and received into the communion of the adult believers. 

The Minister shall here say to the Parent, and the Parent answer, as fol- 
loweth : 

A KD now, because these promises are made only to 
•k*- the faithful and to their seed, and because no 
man can sincerely dedicate his child to that God in 
whom he believeth not himself: I therefore require 
you to make profession of your own faith. 

Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : And in Jesus Christ His only 
Son our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pi- 
late, was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended 
into hell ; the third day He rose again from the dead ; 
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right 
hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence He 
shall come to judge the quick and the dead ? 

Do you believe in the Holy Ghost ; the Holy 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 149 

Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints ; the for- 
giveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and 
the life everlasting ? 

Answer : All this I unfeignedly believe. 

Do you repent of your sins, and renounce the flesh, 
the devil, and the world, and consent to the Covenant 
of Grace, giving up yourself to God the Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, as your Creator and reconciled Fa- 
ther, your Redeemer and your Sanctifier ? 

Answer : I do. 

Do you here solemnly promise, that, if God con- 
tinue this child with you till he be capable of instruc- 
tion, you will faithfully endeavour to acquaint him with 
the covenant in which he was here engaged by you, 
and to instruct and exhort him that he perform this 
covenant as he looks for the blessings upon it, or to 
escape the curses and wrath of God ; that he renounce 
the flesh, the world, and the devil, and live not after 
them ; and that he believe in this one God in three 
Persons, the Father, Sea, and Holy Ghost, his Creator, 



150 Other Forms of Administering 

Redeemer, and Sanctifier ; that he resign himself to 
Him as his absolute owner, and obey Him as his su- 
preme Governor, and love Him as his most gracious 
Father, hoping to enjoy Him as His felicity in end- 
less glory ? 

Answer : I will faithfully endeavour it. 

Will you to this end faithfully endeavour to cause 
him to learn the articles of the Christian Faith, the 
Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments ; and to 
read and hear the Holy Scriptures, and to attend on 
the public Preaching of God's Word ? Will you en- 
deavour by your own teaching, and example, and re- 
straint, to keep him from wickedness, and train him 
up in a holy life ? 

Answer : I will faithfully endeavour it, by the help 
of God. 

Then let the Minister pray thus : 







PRAYER, 

MOST Merciful Father ! by the first Adam sin 
entered into the world, and death by sin; and 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 151 

we are all by nature children of wrath. But Thou 
hast given Thy only Son to be the seed of the woman, 
the Saviour of the world, the Captain of our salvation ; 
to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and to wash 
us in His blood, and reconcile us unto Thee, and to 
renew us by the Holy Ghost, and to bruise Satan 
under our feet. In Him Thou hast established the 
Covenant of Grace, and hast appointed this holy Sacra- 
ment of Baptism for our solemn entrance into the 
bonds of the Covenant, and instating us in the bless- 
ings of it, which Thou extendest to the faithful and 
their seed. We dedicate and offer this child to Thee, 
to be received into Thy Covenant and Thy Church. 
We beseech Thee to accept him as a member of Thy 
Son, and wash him in His blood from the guilt of sin, 
as the flesh is washed by this water. Be reconciled to 
him, and take him for Thy child. Renew him in the 
image of Thy Son ; make him a fellow-citizen with the 
Saints, and of Thy household. Protect him and pro- 
vide for him as Thine own, and finally preserve him to 
Thy heavenly Kingdom : Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



Then the Minister shall ask of the parent the name of the child to bo bap- 
tized ; aid naming him, shall say : 



152 Other Forms of Administering 

T BAPTIZE thee in the Name of the Father, and of 
■* the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

And he shall thus declare : 

fTlHIS child is now received by Christ's appointment 
-*- into His Church, and solemnly entered into the 
holy Covenant ; and engaged, if he lives to the use 
of reason, to rise with Christ to newness of life, being 
buried with Him by Baptism ; and to bear His Cross, 
and confess Christ crucified, and manfully to fight 
under His banner against the flesh, the devil, and the 
world, and to continue His faithful soldier and servant 
to the death, that he may receive the crown of life. 

Then he shall give thanks and pray. 
THANKSGIVING. 

TT7E give Thee thanks, Most Merciful Father! 
' that when we had broken Thy law, and were 

condemned by it, Thou didst give us a Saviour, and 
eternal life, in Him ; and hast extended Thy Covenant 
of Grace to believers and to their seed : and hast now 
received this child into Thy Covenant and Thy Church, 
as a member of Christ, by this Sacrament of regenera- 
tion. We beseech Thee, let him grow up in holiness : 
and when he comes to years of discretion, let Thy 



The Saceament of Baptism. 153 

Spirit reveal unto him the mysteries of the Gospel, 
and the riches of Thy love in Jesus Christ ; and cause 
him to renew and perform the covenant that he hath 
now made, and to resign himself, and all that he hath, 
entirely unto Thee his Lord, to be subject and obe- 
dient to Thee his Governor, and to love Thee his 
Father, with all his heart, and soul, and might. May 
he ever adhere unto Thee, and delight in Thee, as the 
portion of his soul; desiring and hoping to enjoy 
Thee in everlasting glory. Save him from the lusts 
and allurements of the flesh ; the temptations of the 
devil ; the pleasure, profit, and honour of the world ; 
from all the corruptions of his own heart, and all the 
hurtful violence of his foes. Keep him in communion 
with Thy saints, in the love and use of Thy Word and 
worship. May'he deny himself and take up his cross, 
and follow Christ, the Captain of his salvation, and be 
faithful unto the death, and then receive the crown of 
life, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 



t 



III. 

ADDRESS. 

HE principal parts of the doctrine of Holy Bap- 
tism are these three : first, That we with our 



154 Other Forms of Administering 

children are conceived and born in sin, and therefore 
are children of wrath • insomuch that we can not enter 
into the Kingdom of God, except we are born again : 
which is signified by the application of water in the 
Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost. Secondly, Holy Baptism witnesseth and seal- 
eth unto us the washing away of our sins through 
Jesus Christ. For when we are baptized in the Name 
of the Father : God the Father sealeth unto us that 
He doth make an eternal Covenant of Grace with us, 
and adopts us for His children and heirs. And when 
we are baptized in the Name of the Son : God the 
Son sealeth unto us that He doth wash us in His 
blood from all our sins ; so that we are accounted 
righteous before God. And, in like manner, when we 
are baptized in the Name of the Holy Ghost : God 
the Holy Ghost assures us that He will dwell in us, 
and apply that which we have in Christ, namely, the 
washing away of our sins, and the daily renewing of 
our lives, till we shall finally be presented without 
spot or wrinkle among the Elect in life eternal. 
Thirdly, Whereas in all covenants there are contained 
two parts, therefore are we through Baptism obliged 
unto new obedience : namely, that we cleave to this 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 155 

one God, Father, Son. and Holy Ghost ; that we for- 
sake the world, crucify our old nature, and walk in a 
new and holy life. 

And if we sometimes through weakness fall into 
sin, we must not therefore despair of God's mercy, nor 
continue in sin, since Baptism is a ceal and undoubted 
testimony, that we have an eternal Covenant of Grace 
with God. 

And although our young children do not understand 
these things, they are not therefore to be excluded 
from Baptism. For as they are without their knowl- 
edge partakers of the condemnation in Adam, so are 
they again received unto grace in Christ. For God 
said unto Abraham, the father of all the faithful, and 
therefore unto us and our children, I will establish 
My Covenant between Me and thee, and thy seed after 
thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant ; 
to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 
This is confirmed by the Apostle Peter, saying, For 
the promise is unto you, and to your children. There- 
fore God formerly commanded them to be circumcised, 
which was a seal of the covenant, and of the righteous- 
ness of faith. And therefore Christ also embraced 
them, laid His hands upon them, and blessed them. 



156 Other Forms of Administering 

Forasmuch then as Baptism is come in the place of 
Circumcision, infants are to be baptized, as heirs of the 
Kingdom of God, and of His Covenant. And parents 
are in duty bound, further to instruct their children 
herein, when they shall have arrived at years of dis- 
cretion. That therefore this holy Ordinance of God 
may be administered to His glory, to our comfort, and 
to the edification of His Church : let us call upon His 
Holy Name. 

PRAYER. 

f\ ALMIGHTY and Eternal God, we beseech Thee 
^ that Thou wilt be pleased of Thine infinite 
mercy graciously to look upon these children ; and in- 
corporate them by Thy Holy Spirit into Thy Son 
Jesus Christ : that they may be buried with Him unto 
His death, and be raised with Him in newness of life ; 
that they may daily follow Him, joyfully bearing their 
cross, and cleave unto Him in true faith, firm hope, 
and ardent love ; that they may with a comfortable 
sense of Thy favour leave this life, which is nothing 
but a continual death; and at the last day appear 
without terror before the judgment-seat of Christ Thy 
Son : Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 157 

and the Holy Ghost, one only God, lives and reigns 
for ever. Amen. 



AN EXHORTATION, 

To the Parents, and those who come with them to Baptism. 

"QELOVED in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have 
. heard that Baptism is an Ordinance of God, to 
seal unto us and to our seed His covenant. Therefore 
it must be used for that end, and not out of custom or 
superstition. That it may then be manifest that you 
are thus minded, you are to answer sincerely to these 
questions : 

First, Do you acknowledge that, although our chil- 
dren are conceived and born in sin, and therefore un- 
der condemnation : yet they are sanctified* in Christ, 
and therefore, as members of His Church, ought to be 
baptized ? 

Secondly, Do you acknowledge the doctrine which 
is contained in the Old and New Testaments, and in 
the articles of the Christian faith, and which is taught 
here in this Christian Church, to be the true and com- 
plete doctrine of salvation ? 

* My children, Ezek. xvi. 21. They are holy, 1 Cor. vii. 14, 



158 Other Forms of Administering 

Thirdly, Do you promise and intend to see these 
children, when come to years of discretion, instructed 
and brought up in the aforesaid doctrine, to the utmost 
of your power ? 

Answer. Yes. 



N 



Then the Minister of God's Word, in baptizing, shall say : 

I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and 
•5 of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 



THANKSGIVING. 



A LMIGHTY God and Merciful Father, we thank 
-^ and praise Thee that Thou hast promised to for- 
give us and our children all our sins, through the 
blood of Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ ; and to re- 
ceive us through . the Holy Ghost as members of Thy 
Son, and to adopt us as Thy children. We bless and 
praise Thee that Thou hast sealed and confirmed these 
promises unto us by Holy Baptism. We beseech 
Thee, through the same Son of Thy love, that Thou 
wilt be pleased always to govern these baptized chil- 
dren by Thy Holy Spirit ; that they may be piously 
brought up, in the nurture and admonition of the 



The Sacrament of Baptism. 159 

Lord ; that they then may acknowledge Thy fatherly 
goodness and mercy, which Thou hast shown to them 
and to us ; and live in all righteousness under our only 
Teacher, King, and High Priest, Jesus Christ; and 
manfully fight and overcome sin, the devil, and his 
whole dominion : to the end that they may eternally 
praise and magnify Thee, and Thy Son Jesus Christ, 
together with the Holy Ghost, the one only true God. 
Amen. 



THE FORM 



OF ADMINISTERING 



THE SACRAMENT OP BAPTISM 
TO ADULT PERSONS. 



After repeating the first two paragraphs of the preceding office, the Minis- 
ter proceeds thus: 

TOWEVER children of Christian parents, although 
-"- they understand not this mystery, must be bap- 
tized, by virtue of the Covenant: yet it is not lawful 
to baptize those who are come to years of discretion, 
except they first be sensible of their sins, and make 
confession both of their repentance and of their faith in 
Christ. For this cause our Lord Jesus Christ com- 
manded His disciples to teach all nations, and then to 
baptize them, in the Name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; adding this promise, He 
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Accord- 
ingly, the Apostles baptized none who were of years 
of discretion, but such as made confession of their faith 



Baptism of Adult Persons. 161 

and repentance. Therefore it is not lawful now to 
baptize any adult persons, but those who have been 
taught the mysteries of Holy Baptism, and are able 
to give, an account of their faith by the confession of 
the mouth. 

Since then, you, 1ST., are desirous of this holy sacra- 
ment, as a seal of your engrafting into the Church of 
God ; that it may appear that you do not only receive 
the Christian Religion, of which you now make con- 
fession, but do, through the grace of God, intend and 
purpose to lead a life according to the same ; you are 
sincerely to give answer before God and His Church : 

Dost thou believe in the one only true God, distinct 
in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; Who 
hath made heaven and earth, and all that in them is, 
of nothing, and still maintains -and governs them, inso- 
much that nothing comes to pass, either in heaven or 
on earth, without His divine will ? 

Answer. Yes. 

Dost thou acknowledge that thou art conceived and 
born in sin, and therefore art a child of wrath, by na- 
ture wholly incapable of doing any good, and prone to 
all evil ; and that thou hast frequently both in thought, 



162 Baptism of 

word, and deed, transgressed the commandments of 
the Lord ; and art thou heartily sorry for these sins ? 

Answer. Yes. 

Dost thou believe that Christ, Who is the true and 
eternal God, and very Man, is given thee of God to 
be thy Saviour ; and that thou dost receive by this 
faith remission of sins in His blood ; and that thou art 
made by the power of the Holy Ghost a member of 
Jesus Christ and of His Church ? 

Answer. Yes. 

Dost thou assent to all the articles of the Christian 
Religion, as they are here taught in this Christian 
Church, according to the Word of God ; and purpose 
stedfastly to continue in the same to the end of thy 
life ; and also dost thou reject all heresies and schisms, 
repugnant to this doctrine ; and promise to persevere 
in the communion of our Christian Church, not only 
in the hearing of the Word, but also in the use of the 
Lord's Supper ? 

Answer. Yes. 



Adult Persons. 163 

Hast thou taken a firm resolution always to lead a 
Christian life ; to forsake the world and its evil lusts, 
as becometh the members of Christ and of His 
Church ; and to submit thyself to all Christian ad- 
monitions ? 

Answer. Yes. 

The good and gracious God mercifully grant His 
grace and blessing to this thy purpose, through Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

Then the Minister of God's Word, in baptizing, shall say : 

N., I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 



THE FORM 

FOE 

THE ADMISSION OP BAPTIZED PERSONS 
TO THE TABLE OF THE LORD. 

At the Service preparatory to the Lord's Supper. 

" Children born -within the pale of the visible Church, and dedicated to God 
in Baptism, are under the inspection and government of the Church; and are 
to be taught to read' and repeat the Catechism, the Apostles' Creed, and the 
Lord's Prayer. They are to be taught to pray, to abhor sin, to fear God, and 
to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. And when they come to years of discretion, 
if they be free from scandal, appear sober and steady, and to have sufficient 
knowledge to discern the Lord's Body, they ought to be informed it is theii 
duty and their privilege to come to the Lord's Supper. 

" The years of discretion in young Christians can not be precisely fixed. 
This must be left to the prudence of the Eldership. The officers of the Church 
are the judges of the qualifications of those to be admitted to sealing ordi- 
nances ; and of the time when it is proper to admit young Christians to them. 

" Those who are to be admitted to sealing ordinances, shall be examined as 
to their knowledge and piety." 







INVOCATION. 

UR help is in the Name of the Lord, who made 
heaven and earth. Amen. 

PREFACE. 



rTlHUS saith the Lord that made thee, and formed 
"^ thee from the womb, which will help thee, Fear 



Admission of Baptized Persons. 165 

not, Jacob, my servant, and thou Jesurun, whom 
I have chosen. For I will pour water on him that is 
thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground : I will pour 
my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine 
offspring ; and they shall spring up as among the 
grass, as willows by the water-courses. One shall say, 
I am the Lord's; and another shall subscribe with 
his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the 
name of Israel. 

ADDRESS TO THE CONGREGATION. 

TJRETHREN, we are here met for the admission of 
-*-^ these young persons, who have been examined as 
to their knowledge and piety, to the Table of the Lord. 
They will publicly ratify in your hearing the engage- 
ments of their Baptism, and be received to the full par- 
ticipation of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace. 

This occasion is one of solemn interest for each of 
them : and such also let it be for each of you. Let 
your thoughts revert to the vows that you have taken, 
and the privileges that you have enjoyed, in the coin- 
muiiion and fellowship of Christ and of His Body the 
Church. To this end let us with one accord seek the 
blessing of the Spirit of God. 



166 Admission of Baptized Pebsons 

prater. 

A LMIGHTY and most Merciful God ! We give 
-*-*- Thee hearty thanks, that Thou hast called us to 
the knowledge of Thyself, in Jesus Christ our Lord ; 
and hast vouchsafed to make us partakers of the great 
and precious promises of Thy holy Word. We praise 
Thee for the certain assurance, that these promises are 
unto us, and to our children, and to all that are afar 
off, even as many as Thy grace shall call. Merciful 
God, we have believed the witness of Thy Word. We 
have dedicated these children from their infancy to 
Thee. We have sought for them admission to Thy 
Church by Holy Baptism. We have taught them Thy 
saving Truth ; and now that they have reached years 
of discretion, we come with them, to witness their will- 
ing renewal of the sacred vows that bind them to Thy 
Covenant. Lord, we beseech Thee, help them at this 
solemn hour. Work in them both to will and to do of 
Thy good pleasure. Make them sincere in repentance, 
strong in faith, stedfast in hope, and fervent in charity. 
Receive them into the communion of Thy Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord ; and enable them to persevere unto 
the end, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. Amen. 



To the Lord's Table. 167 

Then the Minister, addressing the Candidates, says : 

"\rOlJ that desire to be admitted to the Table of the 
- 1 - Lord, are you so fully persuaded of the truths 
of the Gospel in which you have been taught, that 
you are ready to suffer all things, sooner than re- 
nounce the profession you now make ? 

Answer, Yes. 

Have you examined your own hearts, and are you 
determined to forsake sin, and to order your lives in 
obedience to God's law ? 

Answer. Yes. 

Do you promise that, for the strengthening of your 
faith and piety, you will give yourselves to careful 
study and meditation upon the Word of God, and to 
prayer ; to a regular attendance upon the assemblies 
of His People; and to all other means that Prov- 
idence shall furnish, for the advancement of your 
salvation ? 

Answer. Yes. 

Do you then sincerely and with your whole hearts 



168 Admission of Baptized Persons 

confirm and ratify the vows of your Baptism, that 
bind you to renounce the world with all its vanities, 
to resist your evil passions, to consecrate yourselves 
to God, your Father, Saviour, and Sanctifier ; and to 
live in temperance, righteousness, and holiness all your 
days? 

Answer. Yes. 

Then the Minister says r 

N view of these promises, I admit you to the Table 
of the Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, that 
you may enjoy all the privileges of the Covenant of 
Grace. 

May you be deeply sensible of the importance and 
the solemnity of the engagement that you have now 
entered upon, and retain the impression of it through- 
out your lives. Remember that it is to God, your 
Maker, your Redeemer, and your Judge, that these 
promises have been made ; and that upon the care you 
take to fulfil them, will depend your eternal blessed- 
ness. "Walk worthily, then, of your high vocation. 
Let the light of your good works shine before men. 
Labour to perfect holiness, in the fear of the Lord. 
Seek daily the strength of God. Nourish your souls 



To the Lord's Table. 1Q9 

^yltll His Word. Be watchful unto prayer. Flee 
youthful snares, that would lead you away from Him. 
Thus devoting yourselves to God from youth, you 
will be so accustomed to His service, that His yoke 
will seem to you easy, and His burden light, and 
your joy will be found in doing His blessed will. God 
on His part will bless you ; He will give you His 
peace> that passeth all understanding. The eye of the 
Lord will be upon you, and His ears will be open to 
your prayers ; the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse 
you from all sin. Be fearful of nothing: because 
greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the 
world. His strength will be made perfect in your 
weakness : you will be able to do all things through 
Christ who strengtheneth you. In the hour of death, 
you will be sustained by the hope of a joyful resur- 
rection, and having here below your fruit unto holi- 
ness, you shall have the end everlasting life. 

Then the Minister, addressing the whole congregation, says : 

A KD you, Brethren, who now witness the entrance 
-*--*- of these baptized persons upon a connection yet 
more close and intimate with yourselves, let your af- 
fection toward them, and your earnest solicitude for 



170 Admission of Baptized Persons 

their welfare, be henceforth redoubled. And let us all 
with one accord, as members of one Body, unite in 
fervent prayer, that God may pour down His grace 
upon us, and guide by His Holy Spirit into His per- 
fect way. 

PRAYER. 

The Candidates kneeling. 

f\ LORD our God, who hast chosen to Thyself a 
" Church on earth, and who hast promised to 
preserve it unto the end of the world, and finally raise 
it unto Thy glory : Look down in Thy goodness upon 
these baptized persons now prostrate before Thee, who 
have been solemnly admitted to the full communion 
and fellowship of Thy Church. Thou hadst already 
called them, by the promises of Thy Covenant, which 
are made unto us and unto our children j and granted 
them the seal of this privilege of Christian birth, in 
the ordinance of Baptism. But since the weakness 
of their infancy prevented the personal and voluntary 
dedication of themselves, they come now to confirm 
the vows of obedience that were taken for them, to 
consecrate themselves entirely to Thy service, and to 
beseech Thee that Thou wilt graciously regard them 



To the Lord's Table. 171 

as Thy children. They have been taught, God, to 
know Thee, their Father, Saviour, and Sanctifier. 
They are persuaded that there is salvation in none 
other, and they desire to have part in the benefits 
of the sacrifice of Christ, and His efficacious interces- 
sion. Accept, Lord, these purposes of their hearts, 
and receive them into the communion of Thy Son. 
May they love Thy truth, and ever seek to know it 
more thoroughly, and to profess it more consistently, 
unto the end of their lives. May they withstand all 
evil, renounce the world, its vanities and delusions, 
and live as the heirs and citizens of heaven. May 
the Sacrament of which they shall partake be accom- 
panied with a fresh outpouring of Thy grace upon 
them. Take possession of their hearts by Thy Holy 
Spirit; and at last receive them with us into Thy 
heavenly habitations, through our Great Redeemer and 
Advocate, Jesus Christ Thy Son. Amen. 
Our Father, etc. 

BENEDICTION. 

rpHE blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the 
-*- Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and 
remain with you always. Amen. 









ORDER OF SERVICE 



DAYS OF PASTING AND THANKSGIVING. 



THE 



ORDER OF SERVICE 



DAY OF HUMILIATION, FASTING, AND PRAYER. 



" Public notice is to be given a convenient time before tbe day of Fasting or 
Thanksgiving comes, that persons may so order their temporal affairs, that they 
may properly attend to the duties thereof. 

" There shall be public worship upon all such days : and let the prayers, 
psalms, portions of Scripture to be read, and sermons, be all in a special man- 
ner adapted to the occasion. 

" On Fast-days let the Minister point out the authority and providences call- 
ing to the observation thereof; and let him spend a more than usual portion 
of time in solemn prayer, particular confession of sin, especially of the sins of 
the day and place, with their aggravations, which have brougbt down the 
judgments of heaven. And let the whole day be spent in deep humiliation 
and mourninsr before God." 



PKEFACE. 

"WHEREWITH shall I come before the Lord, and 
" ' bow myself before the high God ? Shall I 
come before Him with burnt-offerings, with calves of 
a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands 
of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil ? Shall 
I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of 



176 Order of Service 

my body for the sin of my soul ? He hath showed 
thee, man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord 
require of thee, hut to do justly, and to love mercy, 
and to walk humbly with thy God ? 

OPENING PRAYER. 

f\ LORD, Thy mercy is without measure, and the 
^ truth of Thy promise abideth for ever. Un- 
worthy are we that Thou shouldst look upon us ; but 
Thou hast promised to show Thy compassion toward 
the most grievous offenders, whensoever they repent ; 
and by the mouth of Thy dear Son our Lord Jesus 
Christ, to give Thy Holy Spirit unto such as humbly 
call upon Thee. In boldness of this promise, we most 
fervently beseech Thee, Father of Mercies, that it 
may please Thee to work in our stubborn hearts an 
unfeigned sorrow for our offences, a feeling of Thy 
grace and mercy, and an earnest desire for that right- 
eousness in which we are bound continually to walk. 
But because neither we nor our prayers can stand be- 
fore Thee, we fly to the obedience and perfect right- 
eousness of Jesus Christ our only Mediator : in whom, 
and by whom, we ask of Thee not only the remission 
of our sins, and the help of Thy Spirit, but all things 



For a Public Fast. 177 

also that Thy wisdom knoweth to be expedient for us, 
and for Thy Church Universal. Amen. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

To "be said by the Minister and People. 

/^VUR Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the 
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

Here may be sung a penitential Psalm. 

Then follows the reading of Scripture, out of the Old and New Testaments. 

The following are appropriate selections : 

Isaiah i. 10-27. St. Matthew iii. 1-12. 

Isaiah Iviii. Hebrews iii. 

Jeremiah vii. 1-20. St. Matthew xxi. 28-46. 

Psalm li. St. Luke xiii. 23-35. 

Ezekiel xviii. 20-32. St. Luke xviii. 1-14. 

Daniel ix. 1-19. St. Luke xv. 11-32. 

Next the 

GENERAL PRAYER. 

f\ ALMIGHTY, Most Just, and Merciful God ! we 

" acknowledge ourselves unworthy to lift up our 
8* 



178 Order of Service 

eyes unto heaven, as we present ourselves before Thee. 
For our consciences accuse us, and our sins reprove 
us ; and we know that Thou, who art a righteous Judge, 
must needs punish them that transgress Thy law. 
Lord ! when we look back and examine our whole life, 
we find nothing in ourselves that deserveth any other 
reward than eternal condemnation. But since, of 
Thine unspeakable mercy, Thou hast commanded us in 
all our necessities to call upon Thee ; and hast also 
promised that Thou wilt hear our prayers, not for any 
merit of our own, for we have none, but for the merits 
of Thy Son, whom Thou hast ordained to be our only 
Mediator and Intercessor : Therefore we lay aside all 
confidence in man, and flee to the throne of Thy 
mercy, by the intercession of Thy only Son our Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. 

O Lord ! we lament and bewail our past unthank- 
fulness towards Thee. We remember that besides those 
benefits of Thine which we enjoy in common with all 
men as Thy creatures, Thou hast bestowed upon us 
many special blessings, of which we are not able in 
heart to conceive the value, much less in words worthily 
to express it. Thou hast called us to the knowledge 
of Thy Gospel. Thou hast released us from the hard 



For a Public Fast. 179 

servitude of Satan. Thou hast delivered us from idol- 
atry, and hast brought us into the clear and comfort- 
able light of Thy blessed Word. But we, unmindful 
of these Thy benefits, have neglected Thy command- 
ments, have abused the knowledge of Thy Gospel, have 
followed our carnal liberty, have served our own lusts, 
and through our sinful lives have failed suitably to 
serve and honour Thee. 

And now, Lord ! we do most humbly confess that 
we have sinned, and have most grievously displeased 
Thee. And if Thou, Lord ! provoked with our dis- 
obedience, shouldst now deal with us as we have de- 
served, there remaineth nothiDg to be looked for, but 
continual plagues in this world, and hereafter eternal 
death and condemnation, both of body and of soul. 
For if we should excuse ourselves, our own consciences 
would accuse us before Thee, and our own disobedience 
and wickedness would bear witness against us. Yea, 
although Thou shouldst punish us more grievously 
still ; though Thou shouldst pour upon us all those 
testimonies of Thy just wrath, which in time past Thou 
pouredst on Thy chosen people, Israel : yet could we 
not deny that we had justly deserved it. 

But, merciful Lord ! Thou art our God, and we 



180 Ordee of Service 

are Thine inheritance ; Thou art our Creator, and we 
the work of Thy hands ; Thou art our Shepherd, we 
Thy flock ; Thou art our Redeemer, and we the people 
whom Thou hast redeemed ; Thou art our Father, we 
are Thy children. Lord ! be not wroth against us ; 
punish us not in Thy sore displeasure. 

Remember, Lord! that Thy Name hath been 
named upon us ; that we bear Thy seal, and the tokens 
of Thy service. Perfect the work Thou hast begun in 
us ; that all the world may know Thou art our God 
and merciful Deliverer. Thou knowest that the dead 
who are in their graves can not praise Thee ; but the 
sorrowful spirit, the contrite heart, the conscience 
broken with a sense of sin, and panting for Thy grace, 
shall give Thee praise and glory. Thy people Israel 
ofttimes offended Thee, and Thou didst justly afflict 
them ; but as oft as they returned to Thee, Thou didst 
receive them in mercy ; and though their sins were 
never so great, yet didst Thou turn away Thy wrath, 
and the punishment prepared for them : and that for 
Thy Covenant's sake, which Thou madest with Thy 
servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Thou hast made 
a better Covenant with us, heavenly Father ! a 
Covenant on which we may lean as we appear before 



Foe a Public Fast. 181 

Thee : through the mediation of Thy dear Son Jesus 
Christ our Saviour, with whose most precious blood it 
pleased Thee that this Covenant should be written, 
sealed, and confirmed. 

Wherefore, heavenly Father ! we now, casting 
away all confidence in ourselves or any other creature, 
do flee to this most holy Covenant and testament ; 
wherein our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, once 
offering Himself a sacrifice for us on the Cross, hath 
reconciled us to Thee for ever. Look, therefore, 
merciful God ! not upon the sins that we continually 
commit, but upon our Mediator and Peacemaker, 
Jesus Christ : that by His intercession Thy wrath may 
be pacified, and we again by Thy fatherly countenance 
relieved and comforted. Receive us also into Thy 
heavenly defence, and govern us by Thy Holy Spirit. 
Frame in us newness of life, wherein to laud and 
magnify Thy blessed Name for ever, and to live every 
one of us according to the several states of life where- 
unto Thou hast ordained us. 

And, heavenly Father ! although by reason of 
our past sins, we are unworthy to crave any thing of 
Thee : yet, because Thou hast commanded us to pray 
for all men, we most humbly beseech Thee, save and 



182 Order of Service 

defend Thy holy Church. Be merciful to all com- 
monwealths, countries, princes, and magistrates ; and 
especially to this our land, and to its rulers and gov- 
ernors. Increase the number of godly ministers. 
Endue them with Thy grace, to be found faithful and 
prudent in their office. We commend also to Thy 
fatherly mercy all that be in poverty, exile, im- 
prisonment, sickness, or any kind of adversity; and 
chiefly those whom Thy hand hath touched with 
any dangerous sickness : which we beseech Thee, 
Lord ! of Thy mercy, when Thy blessed will is, to 
remove. And in the meantime grant us the grace 
of true repentance, steadfast faith, and constant pa- 
tience : that whether we live or die, we may always 
continue Thine, and ever bless Thy holy Name, 
and be brought to the fruition of Thy Godhead. 
Grant these, and all our humble petitions, merciful 
Father ! for the sake of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

After this Prayer a Hymn shall he sung hefore the 
SERMON. 



After which a Closing Prayer, as on pp. 71, 83-85 ; followed by a Hymn, 
and the 



For a Public Fast. 183 



BENEDICTION. 

rTIHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 



be "with you all. Amen. 






THE 



ORDER OF SERVICE 



DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING 



"On days of Thanksgiving, the Minister is to give information respecting the 
authority and providences which call to the observance of them ; and to spend 
a more than usual part of the time in the giving up of thanks, agreeably to the 
occasion, and in singing psalms or hymns of praise. 

" It is the duty of the people on these days to rejoice with holy gladness of 
heart; but let trembling be so joined with our mirth, that no excess or un- 
becoming levity be indulged." 

PREFACE. 

f\ COME, let us sing unto the Lord : let us make 
^ a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let 
us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and 
make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. 

come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel 
before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God ; and 
we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of 
His hand. 



Public Thanksgiving. 185 

invocation. 
A LMIGHTY God ! who hast promised to be pre- 
■*••*■ sent with Thy people, and to grant their re- 
quests in the Name of Thy well-beloved Son : Look 
down, we beseech Thee, upon us, who have assembled 
at this time to offer unto Thee our thanksgiving and 
praise; and for the sake of Him who is our only 
Saviour and Mediator with Thee, grant us •the help 
of Thy Holy Spirit : that our thoughts being lifted 
up, and our desires drawn forth unto Thee, we may 
render Thee an acceptable service, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER, 

To be said by the Minister and People. 

/^\UR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but 
deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

Then follows the singing of a Psalm or nymn of Thanksgiving. 



186 Order of Service 

Next the reading of Scripture out of the Old and New Testaments. 
The following are appropriate selections : 

Deut. yiii. Kom. xii. 

Psalm civ. Philip, iv. 4-20. 

Psalm cvii. 1 Thess. v. 

Next the 

GENERAL THANKSGIVING. 

f\ GOD, infinite in wisdom, power, and goodness! 
^ We acknowledge Thee the Creator of all things 
in the heavens above, in the earth beneath, and in 
the paths of the sea. We adore Thee for the great- 
ness and beauty of all Thy works. We adore Thy 
loving-kindness, that Thou hast made them subservient 
to the wants and happiness of Thy children. What 
is man that Thou art mindful of him, and the son of 
man that Thou visitest him ? Thou hast given him 
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowls 
of the air, and over every living thing that moveth 
upon the earth. Thou hast given to him for meat 
every moving thing that liveth, and every herb yield- 
ing seed, and every fruit-tree yielding fruit after its 
kind. Thou hast crowned us with mercy and loving- 
kindness. 

We praise Thee for Thy gracious promise of old, 



For Public Thanksgiving. 187 

that while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, 
and cold and heat and summer and winter, and day 
and night, shall not cease. Thou visitest the earth. 
and blessest it. Thou sendest the springs into the 
valleys which run among the hills. Thou causest the 
grass to grow for all cattle, and herb for the service 
of man. that he may bring forth fruit out of the earth. 
Thou niakest the furrows of the field soft with show- 
ers: Thou blessest the springing thereof. The pas- 
tures are clothed with flocks : the valleys also are 
covered over with corn : they shout for joy. Thou 
crownest the year with Thy goodness : Thy clouds 
drop fatness : they drop upon the pastures of the wil- 
.derness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. 
Lord ! how manifold are Thy works ! in wisdom hast 
Thou made them all. 

TYe praise Thee, Lord ! not only in the riches of 
Thy bounty and compassion, but also in Thy righteous 
judgments. Thou openest Thy hand, and we are 
filled with good : Thou hidest Thy face, and we are 
troubled. But we know that in Thy wrath Thou 
rememberest mercy : and we acknowledge Thy long- 
suffering and Thy loving-kindness. Give us grace to 
believe, that whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth; 



188 Order of Service 

and ever enable us to offer unto Thee, in spirit and in 
truth, the prayer of Thy holy prophet : Although the 
fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the 
vines ; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields 
shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from 
the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls : yet 
we will rejoice in the Lord ; we will joy in the God 
of our salvation. 

For ourselves and our country, Gracious God! 
we thank Thee : that notwithstanding our manifold 
transgressions of Thy holy laws, Thou hast continued 
unto us Thy marvellous kindness : that Thou hast 
given us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling 
our hearts with food and gladness. These have been 
witnesses of Thy great goodness, for they certify of 
Thee that Thou art the living God. Teach us to be- 
lieve with a strong faith that Thou art Lord of the 
seasons : that Thou biddest the earth to bring forth, 
and it obeyeth Thee. Accept our thanksgivings for 
all the blessings of the year now drawing to a close : 
fill our hearts with humility and love, with gratitude 
and trust : continue Thy loving-kindness unto us, and 
help us to show forth the fruits of grace, in a sincere 
obedience to His will, through whom all blessings are 



For Public Thanksgiving. 189 

vouchsafed. Thy Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ, 
Amen. 

After this Prayer a Hymn shall be sung before the 
SERMON, 

At the close of •which may be used one of the forms of a General Prayer, as on 
page 81-83. 

Then a Hymn, and the 

BENEDICTION. 

rpHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 
be with you all. Amen. 



THE OFFICE 



CONFIRMATION OF MARRIAGE. 



" Marriage must always be performed "before a competent number of wit- 
nesses ; and at any time, except on a day of public humiliation. And we ad- 
vise that it be not on the Lord's day. And the Minister is to give a certificate 
of the marriage when required. 

" When the parties present themselves for marriage, the Minister is to ask 
if there is any person present who knows any lawful reason why these persons 
may not be joined together in the marriage relation, that they will now make 
it known. 

"No objections being made, he shall then proceed to give them some in- 
structions from the Scriptures, respecting the institution and duties of this 
office." 



/^ OD be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause 
^ His face to shine upon us, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

TN the Name of Almighty God, I demand of each 
-■- of you here present, that if ye know any good 
reason why these persons M., and N., should not be 
joined in Marriage, ye do now declare the same, as 
ye would answer before the Searcher of Hearts. 



192 Confirmation of 

GOD created man in His own image, and said, it 
is not good that man should be alone : I will 
make a help meet for him. He brought unto the 
man the woman whom He had made. And Adam 
said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my 
flesh. Therefore shall a man leave father and mother, 
and cleave unto his wife : and they twain shall be one 
flesh. 

Marriage, thus ordained of God in Eden, was con- 
firmed at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, by the 
gracious presence and miraculous blessing of our 
divine Lord Jesus Christ : who also hath said, "What 
God hath joined together let not man put asunder. 
Moreover, His Holy Apostle Paul has commended 
unto the husband the example of Christ in loving 
His Church, and unto the wife the willing subjection 
of the Church unto Christ as her Head. Whence we 
learn that Marriage is well-pleasing to God our 
Saviour, and most honourable to all who maintain 
therein a mutual love and unshaken fidelity. 

I therefore, a minister of the blessed Gospel, charge 
and entreat you both, to seek the help of God in all 
your duties ; that His grace may make your union 
fruitful of comfort in this life, and a furtherance of 



Marriage. ■ • 193 

your everlasting salvation, to the glory of His .holy 
Name. 

Let us pray. 

f\ MOST Holy and Most Merciful Lord God, we be- 
- seech Thee for these Thy servant and handmaid ; 
that they may, with a reverent trust in Thee, enter into 
the covenant of marriage, as they now propose, and 
truly keep all the vows which they are about to make 
according to Thy Word. Grant this, our Father, 
with the forgiveness of our sins, through Christ Thy 
Son. Amen. 



Then the Minister shall bid the man and the woman to join their right hands : 
which being done, he shall say to the man : 



D 



OST thou , take this woman , before God 

and these witnesses, to be thy wife ? 



Answer. Yes. 

"PvOST thou promise to love her, honour her, defend 
-*-^ her, sustain and cherish her, in joy and in sor- 
row, in health and in sickness, in prosperity and in 

adversity ? Wilt thou be faithful to her in all things 
9 



194 Confirmation of 

as becometh a good husband, and never forsake her so 
long as ye both do live ? 

Answer. Yes. 

The Minister shall then say to the woman : 



D 



OST thou , take this man , before God 

and these witnesses, to be thy husband ? 



Answer. Yes. 

T\OST thou promise to love him, honour him, cher- 
*-* ish and obey him, in joy and in sorrow, in 
health and in sickness, in prosperity and in adversity ? 
Wilt thou be faithful to him in all things as becometh 
a good wife, and never forsake him so long as ye both 
do live ? 

Ansicer. Yes. 

[When a ring is used.] 
To the man : 

~\T7"HAT pledge dost thou give that thou wilt per- 
' " form these thy vows ? 

The man shows the ring. 
To the woman: 



D 



Maeeiage. 195 

OST thou receive this ring in token of the same 
on thy part ? 

Then the man (the Minister guiding his hand) shall place the ring on the fourth 
finger of her left hand. 

Then the Minister shall say : 

Let us pray. 

f\ GOD, our heavenly Father, Thou hast heard 
^ these promises of Thy servant and handmaid to 
each other : Mercifully condescend to unite their hearts 
and lives by all the grace and true affection of a happy 
marriage. May their love never know change, or 
doubt, or decay. Replenish them with Thy Holy 
Spirit, that they may piously live together according 
to Thy divine will. May they be blessed in each 
other, and both in the knowledge of Christ Thy Son, 
and may they at last enter Thy blessed Kingdom : 
Through Jesus Christ our Eedeemer. Amen. 

Then the Minister, taking their clasped hands between his, shall say: 

"jVTOW in the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy 
-*-" Ghost, whose servant I am, I pronounce you 
husband and wife. 

The Lord bless you, and keep you. 

The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be 
gracious unto you. 



196 Marriage. 

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and 
give you peace. 



Then, still holding their hands, the Minister shall say to the company of wit- 
nesses : 



TirHAT therefore God hath joined together, let not 
" man put asunder. 



" Let the Minister keep a proper register for the names of all persons -whom 
he marries, and of the time of their marriage, for the perusal of all whom it 
may concern." 



THE 



BURIAL OF THE DEAD 



THE SERVICE AT THE HOUSE. 



One or more of which may be read at discretion. 

TT is better to go to the house of mourning, than to 
-*- go to the house of feasting : for that is the end 
of all men • and the living will lay it to his heart. 

Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth 
trouble spring out of the ground. See now, saith the 
Lord, that I, even I am He, and there is no God with 
Me. I kill, and I make alive ; I wound, and I heal ; 
neither is there any that can deliver out of My 
hand. 

The Lord destroyeth the hope of man. The Lord 
prevaileth against him, and he passeth. He changeth 
his countenance, and sendeth him away. 

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not con- 



198 Burial of the Dead. 

sumed ; because His compassions fail not. Like as a 
father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them 
that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame ; He re- 
membereth that we are dust. 

Though He cause grief, yet will He have compas- 
sion according to the multitude of His mercies. For 
He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children 
of men. 

Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor 
faint when thou art rebuked of Him : for whom the 
Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son 
whom He receiveth. Now no chastening for the pres- 
ent seemeth to be joyous, but grievous : nevertheless 
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteous- 
ness unto them which are exercised thereby. Where- 
fore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble 
knees. 

, For we have not an High Priest which can not be 
touched with the feeling of our infirmities : but was 
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, 
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in 
time of need. 

Leave thy fatherless children, saith the Lord; I 



Service at the House. 199 

will preserve them alive ; and let thy widows trust in 
Me. 

A Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the 
widows, is God in His holy habitation. 

When my father and my mother forsake me, then 
the Lord will take me up. 

For an Infant: 

And David said, While the child was yet alive, I 
fasted and wept : for I said, Who can tell whether God 
will be gracious to me, that the child may live ? 
But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast ? Can I 
bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he 
shall not return to me. 

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away : 
blessed be the Name of the Lord. 

A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smok- 
ing flax shall He not quench. 

Let us pray. 

PRAYER. 

f\ GOD, Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus 
" Christ, Who hath said, Blessed are they that 
mourn, for they shall be comforted : Under the shadow 



200 Burial of the Dead. 

of Thy judgments we come to Thee, and acknowledge 
Thee to be the Lord alone. Thou hast entered this 
house with Thy chastenings : Oh I be Thou nigh in 
Thy tender compassion to these afflicted ones. Bless 
Thy sorrowing servants with Thy consolations, which 
are neither few nor small. Convert them wholly to 
Thyself, and fill their bleeding hearts with Thy love. 
Make the night of their grief to be light by Thy grace. 
Deliver us Thy servants, we pray Thee, from the 
bondage of our sins, that we may be free from fear 
of death, and be ready at Thy coming. Yea, Lord ! 
for Christ's sake, sanctify us by Thy Holy Spirit, that 
whether we live, we may live unto the Lord, or whether 
we die, we may die unto the Lord ; whether we live or 
die, may we be the Lord's. Amen. 



rpHE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be with you 
-*- all. Amen. 



THE 

SERVICE AT THE CHURCH 



[If the service be performed in -whole at the house, then a part of the follow- 
ing may be used in connection with the preceding form.] 

Upon entering the church, when all shall have taken the attitude of prayer, 
let the Ninetieth Psalm be read as an 



INVOCATION". 

f" ORD, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all 

•". generations. Before the mountains were brought 

forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the 

world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art 

God. Thou turnest man to destruction ; and sayest, 

Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in 

Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as 

a watch in the night. Thou earnest them away as 

with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning they 

are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it 

flourisheth and groweth up ; in the evening it is cut 

down, and withereth. For we are consumed by Thine 

anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast 

set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the 
9* 



202 Burial of the Dead. 

light of Thy countenance. For all our days are 
passed away in Thy wrath : we spend our years as a 
tale that is told. The days of our years are three 
score years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they 
be four-score years, yet is their strength labour and 
sorrow ; for it is soon cut offj and we fly away. Who 
knoweth the power of Thine anger ? even according to 
Thy fear, so is Thy wrath. So teach us to number 
our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 
Return, Lord ! how long ? and let it repent Thee 
concerning Thy servants. satisfy us early with Thy 
mercy ; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 
Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast 
afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. 
Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy 
glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the 
Lord our God be upon us ; and establish Thou the 
work of our hands upon us : yea, the work of our 
hands establish Thou it. Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Hero may be sung a Funeral Hymn. 

Then let there be read two portions of Scripture, from the Gospels and tbo 
Epistles. The following are suitable passages : 

Hear the comfortable words of the Gospel of our 



Service at the Church. 203 

Saviour Jesus Christ, as they are written in the 
eleventh chapter of Saint John : 

npHEN said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst 
-*- been here, my brother had not died. But I 
know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of 
God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, 
Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, 
I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection 
at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the Resur- 
rection, and the Life : he that believeth on Me, though 
he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth 
and believeth in Me, shall never die. Believest thou 
this ? She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord : I believe that 
Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should 
come into the world. 

Or this: 

Hear the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ, in 
the fifth chapter of Saint John : 



T7ERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth 

" My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, 

hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condem- 



204 Burial of the Dead. 

nation ; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, 
verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now 
is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of 
God : and they that hear shall live. For as the 
Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the 
Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him 
authority to execute judgment also, because He is the 
Son of Man. Marvel not at this : for the hour is 
coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall 
hear His voice, and shall come forth ; they that have 
done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they 
that have done evil, unto the resurrection of dam- 
nation. 

For an Infant: 

Hear the comfortable words of our Saviour Jesus 
Christ : 

IT1HEY brought young children to Him, that He 
-*- should touch them : and His disciples rebuked 
those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, 
He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer 
the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them 
not ; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Verily I 
say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the King- 



Sekvice at the Church. 205 

dom of God as a little child, he shall not enter 
therein. 

Or this: 

fJlAKE heed that ye despise not one of these little 
-*- ones ; for I say unto you, That in heaven their 
angels do always behold the face of My Father which 
is in heaven. For the Son of Man is come to save 
that which was lost. How think ye? If a man 
have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, 
doth He not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into 
the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray ? 
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he 
rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and 
nine which went not astray. Even so, it is not the 
will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of 
these little ones should perish. 

Then let the second portion of Scripture he read, from 1 Corinthians, xv. : 

Hear also what the Apostle Paul saith : 

"\TOW is Christ risen from the dead, and become the 
-"-^ first-fruits of them that slept. For since by 
man came death, by Man came also the Resurrection 
of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in 



206 BUKIAL OF THE DEAD. 

Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his 
own order : Christ the first-fruits ; afterward they 
that are Christ's, at His coming. — But some man will 
say, How are the dead raised up ? and with what body 
do they come ? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is 
not quickened, except it die : and that which thou 
sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but 
bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other 
grain : but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased 
Him, and to every seed his own body. — So also is the 
Resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, 
it is raised in incorruption : it is sown in dishonour, 
it is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness, it is 
raised in power : it is sown a natural body, it is raised 
a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there 
is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first 
man Adam was made a living soul ; the last Adam 
was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not 
first which is spiritual, but that which is natural ; and 
afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of 
the earth, earthy : the second Man is the Lord from 
heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are 
earthy : and as is the heavenly, such are they also 
that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image 



Service at the Church. 207 

of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the 
heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and 
blood can not inherit the Kingdom of God : neither 
doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show 
you a mystery : We shall not all sleep, but we shall 
all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an 
eye, at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, 
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we 
shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on 
incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortal- 
ity. So when this corruptible shall have put on incor- 
ruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, 
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is writ- 
ten, Death is swallowed up in victory. death, 
where is thy sting ? grave, where is thy victory ? 
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is 
the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the 
victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Or this, from Revelation xx. : 



Hear also the Revelation of St. John 



A 



ND I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat 
on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven 



2QB Burial of the Dead, 

fled away; and there was found no place for them. 
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before 
God ; and the books were opened : and another book 
was opened, which is the Book of life : and the dead 
were judged out of those things which were written in 
the books, according to their works. And the sea 
gave up the dead which were in it ; and death and hell 
delivered up the dead which were in them : and they 
were judged every man according to their works. 

Or this, from Eevelation xxi. : 

A ND I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the 
-*--*- first heaven and the first earth were passed 
away ; and there was no more sea. And I John saw 
the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from 
God. out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her 
husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven, 
saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, 
and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His 
People, and God Himself shall be with them, and be 
their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from 
their eyes ; and there shall be no more death, neither 
sorrow,, nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
pain : for the former things are passed away. 



Burial of the Dead. 209 

Let us pray. 

PRATER. 

f\ GOD, whose days are without end, and whose 
^ mercies can not be numbered : Make us, we be- 
seech Thee, deeply sensible of the shortness and un- 
certainty of human life ; and let Thy Holy Spirit lead 
us through this vale of misery, in holiness and right- 
eousness, all the days of our lives : that when we shall 
have served Thee in our generation, we may be gath- 
ered unto our fathers, having the testimony of a good 
conscience ; in the communion of the Christian Church : 
in the confidence of a certain faith ; in the comfort of 
a reasonable, religious, and holy hope ; in favour with 
Thee our God, and in perfect charity with the world : 
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



T 



HE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 



of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 
be with you all. Amen. 



THE 

SERVICE AT THE GRAVE 



M' 



"AN goeth to his long home, and the mourners go 
about the streets. 

What man is he that liveth, and shall not see 
death ? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the 
grave ? 

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write : 
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from 
henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
from their labours, and their works do follow them. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath 
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrec- 
tion of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance 
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, 
reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the powei 
of God through faith unto salvation. 



Service at the Grave 



211 



At the time of burial, the Minister shall say : 

rPHE dust returns to dust, and the spirit unto God 
■*■ who gave it: therefore do we now commit the 
body of our departed brother to the earth [or deep] 
until that hour when earth and sea shall give up their 
dead, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to judge 
the world. 
Let us pray. 



A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God! we Thine un- 
-*■-*- worthy servants beseech Thee for Christ's sake 
to have mercy upon us. From the borders of the 
grave we cry unto Thee ; for Christ's sake have mercy 
upon us. It hath pleased Thee to call out of this 
world the soul of our departed friend, whose body 
we have now brought for his burial. We humbly en- 
treat Thee that we may with true penitence of heart 
receive the warning of Thy providence, and consider 
that by reason of our guilt it is appointed unto us to 
die, and that in a moment when we think not we may 
appear before Thee. Yea, Lord, by reason of our 
sins we lie in the midst of death. Spare us, Lord, 
most pitiful and long-suffering Lord God, spare us 
a little longer, that we may take refuge in Christ, 



212 BUKIAL OF THE DEAD. 

abiding in Him, that when He shall appear we may 
have confidence, and not be ashamed at His coming. 
Merciful God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
suffer none of us to live without godliness and die 
without hope ; but constrain us mightily by Thy 
love : that we, being renewed by Thy grace, and 
accepted through Christ's intercession, may walk be- 
fore Thee in newness of life, and praise Thee for ever 
among the Assembly of the Elect, where there shall 
be no more death, and sorrow and sighing shall flee 
away : which we implore for the sake of Him who has 
taught us to say, 

/^kUR Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the 
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 



N 



BENEDICTION. 

OW the God of Peace, that brought again from 
the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd 



Seevice at the Grave. 213 

of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting 
covenant, make you perfect in every good work to 
do His will, working in you that which is well-pleas- 
ing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 



PUBLIC DISCIPLINE, ORDINATION, 

&c, &c. 



THE FORM 



PUBLIC EXCOMMUNICATION 



" When any member has been adjudged to he cut off from the communion 
of the Church, it is proper that the sentence be publicly pronounced against 
him. 

" The Minister shall give the church or congregation a short narrative of the 
6everal steps -which have been taken with respect to their offending brother, 
and inform them that it has been found necessary to cut him off from the 
communion • and shall in the presence of the church or congregation pro- 
nounce this sentence, in the following, or like form, viz. : 

" He shall begin by showing the authority of the Church to cast out un- 
worthy members, from Matt, xviii. 15-18 ; 1 Cor. v. 1-5 ; and shall briefly ex- 
plain the nature, use, and consequences of this censure; warning the people 
to avo'd all unnecessary intercourse with him who is cast out." 



ADDRESS. 

r^UR Lord Jesus Christ, the King and Lawgiver of 
^ the Church, hath commanded, that if a brother 
trespass against us, we go and tell him his fault be- 
tween us and him alone : and if he will not hear us, 
that we then take with us one or two more, that in 
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may 
be established ; and if he shall neglect to hear them, 

that we tell it to the church ; and if he neglect to 
10 



218 The Form of 

hear the Church, that he be to us as a heathen man, 
and a publican. We are also directed, that we keep 
not company, if any man that is called a brother be a 
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a 
drunkard, or an extortioner ; with such an one no not 
to eat. And that we withdraw ourselves from every 
brother that walketh disorderly, and note that man, 
and have no company with him, that he may be 
ashamed. According to these laws of Christ, we 
have admonished this offending brother, who hath 
greatly sinned against God, and grieved and injured 
the Church ; we have earnestly prayed, and patiently 
waited for his repentance : but we have not prevailed. 
For after all, he continueth impenitent, and will not 
be persuaded to confess and forsake his sin. 

"Then shall the Minister say: 

" "WHEREAS A. B. hath been, by sufficient proof, 
' " convicted of [here slate the offence], and, 
after much admonition and prayer, obstinately refuseth 
to hear the Church, and hath manifested no evidence 
of repentance : Therefore, in the Name and by the 
authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pronounce him 
to be excluded from the communion of the Church." 
Further, we exhort you, beloved brethren, to keep 



Public Excommunication. 219 

no company with him, that he may be ashamed ; yet 
count him not as an enemy, but at all times admonish 
him as you would a brother. In the mean time let 
every one take warning by this and such like examples, 
to fear the Lord, and diligently take heed unto him- 
self, if he thinketh he standeth, lest he fall : but 
having true fellowship with the Father and His Son 
Jesus Christ, together with all faithful Christians, re- 
main stedfast therein to the end, and so obtain eternal 
salvation. 

" After which, prayer shall be made that the blessing of God may follow His 
ordinance, for the conviction and reformation of the excommunicated person, 
and for the establishment of all true believers." 

CJINCE then it is God that worketh in us, both to will 
^ and to do of His good pleasure, let us call upon 
His holy Name, with confession of our sins, saying, 

f\ RIGHTEOUS God and Merciful Father, we 
^ bewail our sins before Thy high Majesty, and 

acknowledge that we have deserved the grief and 
sorrow caused unto us by the cutting off of this our 
late fellow-member ; yea, we all deserve, shoul'dst 
Thou enter into judgment with us, by reason of our 
great transgressions, to be cut off and banished from 
Thy sight. But, Lord, Thou art merciful unto us 






220 Public Excommunication. 

for Christ's sake : forgive us our trespasses, for we 
heartily repent of them ; and daily work in our hearts 
a greater measure of sorrow for them : that we, 
fearing Thy judgments which Thou executest against 
the stiff-necked, may endeavour to please Thee. Grant 
us grace to avoid all pollution of the world, and those 
who are cut off from the communion of the Church, 
that we may not make ourselves partakers of their 
sins : and that he who is excommunicated may become 
ashamed of his sins. And since Thou desirest not 
the death of a sinner, but that he may repent and live, 
and the bosom of Thy Church is always open for those 
who turn away from their wickedness, we therefore 
humbly beseech Thee to kindle in our hearts a pious 
zeal, that we may labour, with Christian admonitions 
and examples, to bring again this excommunicated 
person into the right way, together with all those who, 
through unbelief or dissoluteness of life, go astray. 

Give Thy blessing to our admonition, that we may 
have reason to rejoice again in him for whom we now 
mourn : and that Thy holy Name may be praised, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath thus taught 
us to pray : 

Our Father, etc. 



THE FORM 



PUBLIC REPENTANCE 



" "When any one who hath been excommunicated shall be so affected with 
his state as to be brought to repentance, and to desire to be re-adrnitted to the 
privileges of the Church, the Session, having obtained sufficient evidence of 
his sincere, penitence, shall, with the advice and concurrence of the Presby- 
tery, restore him. In order to which, .the Minister shall, on two Lord's days 
previous thereto, inform the congregation of the measures which have been 
taken with the excommunicated person, and of the resolution of the Session 
to receive him again to the communion of the Church. 

" On the day appointed for his restoration, when the other parts of divine 
service are ended, before pronouncing the blessing, the Minister shall call upon 
the excommunicated person, and propose to him, in the presence of the con- 
gregation, the following questions : 



" T\0 you, from a deep sense of your great wicked- 
-*-^ ness, freely confess your sin, in thus rebelling 
against God, and in refusing to hear His Church : and 
do you acknowledge that you have been in justice and 
mercy cut off from the communion of the saints ? 

" Answer. I do. 

" Do you now voluntarily profess your sincere re- 
pentance and deep contrition, for your sin and obsti- 



222 The Form of 

nacy : and do you humbly ask the forgiveness of God, 
and of His Church ? 

"Answer. I do. 

11 Do you sincerely promise, through Divine grace, 
to live in all humbleness of mind and circumspection ; 
and to endeavour to adorn the doctrine of God our 
Saviour, by having your conversation as becometh the 
Gospel? . 

" Answer. I do. 

" Here the Minister shall give the penitent a suitable exhortation, addressing 
him in the bowels of brotherly love, encouraging and comforting him. 1 ' 

T)E therefore assured in thy heart, my beloved 
•*-* brother, that the Lord hath again received thee 
in mercy. Be diligent henceforth to guard thyself, 
that thou mayst not fall again into sin : love Christ, 
for many sins are forgiven thee. 



"Then he shall pronounce the sentence of restoration, in the following 
words : 



" TT7HEREAS you, A. B., have been shut out from 
the communion of the faithful, but have now 
manifested such repentance as satisfies the Church : 
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by His 
authority, I declare you absolved from the sentence 



Public Repentance. 223 

formerly denounced against you ; and I do receive you 
into the communion of the Church, that you may be 
a partaker of all the benefits of the Lord Jesus, to 
your eternal salvation. 

" The whole shall he concluded with prayer." 

A ND you, beloved Christians, receive this your 
-*■■*- brother with hearty affection ; count him no 
longer as a stranger, but as a fellow-citizen with the 
saints, and of the household of God. And whereas 
we can have no good of ourselves, let us praise and 
magnify the Lord Almighty, and implore His mercy, 
saying, 

GRACIOUS God and Father, we thank Thee 
^ through Jesus Christ our Lord, that Thou hast 
been pleased to give unto this our fellow-Christian re- 
pentance unto life, and unto us occasion to rejoice in his 
conversion. We beseech Thee, show him Thy mercy, 
that he may become more and more assured of the re- 
mission of his sins, and that he may receive from 
thence inexpressible joy and delight, to serve Thee. 
And whereas he hath heretofore by his sins offended 
many, grant that he may, by his conversion, edify 



224 Public Kepentance. 

many. May he stedfastly walk in Thy ways, unto the 
end ; and may we learn from this example, that with 
Thee is mercy, that Thou mayest be feared ; so that 
we, counting him for our brother and fellow -heir of 
eternal life, may unitedly serve Thee with filial fear 
and obedience all the days of our life, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord, in whose Name we thus conclude our 
prayer — Our Father, etc. 



THE FORM 



ORDAINING ELDERS AND DEACONS. 



If ordained separately, this form may be used as occasion shall require. 

" "When any person shall have been elected to either of these offices, and shall 
have declared his willingness to accept thereof, he shall be set apart in the 
following manner : 

" After sermon, the Minister shall state, in a concise manner, the warrant and 
nature of the office of ruling Elder or Deacon, together with the character 
proper to be sustained and the duties to be fulfilled by the officer elect." 

T)ELOVED Christians, you know that we have sev- 
-*-^ eral times published unto you the names of our 
brethren here present who are chosen to the office of 
Elders and Deacons in this Church, that we might 
know whether any person had aught to allege why 
they should not be set apart to their respective offices. 
And whereas no lawful objection hath been alleged 
against them, we shall in the Name of the Lord pro- 
ceed to induct them into the same. 

But first we invite your attention to a short declar- 
ation from the Word of God, concerning the office and. 
10* 



226 Ordination of 

duties of Elders and Deacons. The word Elder, 
which is derived from the Old Testament, and signi- 
fies a person who is placed in an honourable office of 
government over others, is applied to two sorts of per- 
sons who minister in the Church of Jesus Christ ; for 
the Apostle saith : "Let the elders that rule well be 
accounted worthy of double honour, especially they 
who labour in the Word and doctrine." Hence it is 
evident that there were two sorts of Elders in the 
Apostolic Church : the former whereof did labour in 
the Word and doctrine, and the latter did not. The 
first were the Ministers of the Word, and Pastors, who 
preached the Word and administered the Sacraments ; 
but the others, though they did not labour in the 
Word, yet served the Church by taking the oversight 
thereof, and ruling the same with the Ministers of the 
Word. For St. Paul, having spoken of the Ministry 
of the Word of reconciliation, and also of the office of 
distribution or Deaconship, speaketh afterwards par- 
ticularly of this office, saying : "He that ruleth, let 
him clo it with diligence." In another place, he 
counts " governments" among the gifts and offices 
which God hath instituted in His Church. In like 
manner we find the Apostle exhorting the Elders of 






Elders and Deacons. 227 

the Church of Ephesus, to " take heed unto them- 
selves and to all the flock over the which the Holy 
Ghost had made them overseers." 

It is moreover proper that such officers should be 
joined to the Ministers of the Word in the govern- 
ment of the Church, that there may be no lording 
over God's heritage ; which can sooner creep in when 
the government is in the hands of one, or a very few. 
And thus the Ministers of the Word, together with 
the Elders, form an Assembly or Council of the 
Church, representing the whole Body, to which Christ 
alludes when He saith, "Tell the Church;" which 
can in no wise be understood of all and every member 
of the Church in particular, but very properly of 
those who govern the Church out of which they are 
chosen. 

Therefore, in the first place, the office of the Elders 
is, together with the Ministers of the Word, to take 
the episcopacy or oversight of the Church which is 
committed to them. In the discharge of their duties, 
they are to admit to its communion such as profess 
faith in Christ and repentance for their sins ; diligent- 
ly to look whether every one properly deports him- 
self in his doctrine and life ; to admonish those who 



228 Ordination of 

behave disorderly ; to prevent as much as possible the 
Sacrament from being profaned ; to exercise the dis- 
cipline of the Church against such as offend ; and to 
receive them again when penitent to the household of 
faith. 

Secondly, Since the Apostle enjoineth that all 
things shall be done decently and in order, therefore it 
is also the duty of the Elders to pay regard to all 
Christian ordinances ; and in all things which relate 
to the welfare of the Church, to assist the Ministers 
of the "Word with good counsel, to visit the sick, com- 
fort the afflicted, and to be faithful advisers of all the 
flock committed to their care. 

Thirdly, It is their duty particularly to have regard 
unto the doctrine and life of the Ministers of the 
Word, that all things may be directed to the edifica- 
tion of the Church ; and that no strange doctrine be 
taught, according to that which we read where the 
Apostle exhorteth the Elders to watch diligently 
against the wolves who might come into the sheepfold 
of Christ : for the performance of which the Elders 
aro in duty bound diligently to search the Word of 
God, and continually to be meditating on the mysteries 
of faith. 



Elders and Deacons. 229 

Concerning the Deacons : Of the origin and insti- 
tution of their office we may read in the sixth chapter 
of the Acts : where we find that the Apostles them- 
selves did in the beginning serve the poor ; for at their 
feet was brought the price of the things that were 
sold, and distribution was made unto every man ac- 
cording as he had need. But afterwards, when a mur- 
muring arose, because the widows of the Grecians were 
neglected in the daily ministration, men were chosen 
by the advice of the Apostles, who should make the 
service of the poor their peculiar business : to the end 
that the Apostles might continually give themselves to 
prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word. And this 
has been continued from that time forward in the 
Church ; as appears from Eomans xii., where the 
Apostle, speaking of this office, saith : " He that giv- 
eth, let him do it with simplicity." And speaking of 
" helps," he means those who are appointed in the 
Church to help and assist the poor and indigent in 
time of need. 

From these passages we may easily gather what the 
Deacons' office is. In the first place, it is their duty 
to collect and preserve with the greatest fidelity and 
diligence the alms which are given to the poor, and 



230 Ordination of 

that they endeavour that sufficient means be provided 
for the same. The second part of their office consists 
in distribution : wherein not only is godly discretion 
required, to bestow the alms only on the proper ob- 
jects of charity, but also cheerfulness and simplicity, 
to assist the poor with becoming sympathy, hearty 
affection, and also with comfortable words from Scrip- 
ture — all which the Apostle requires when speaking 
of the duties of this office. 

To the end, therefore, beloved brethren , , 

that every one may hear that you are willing to take 
your respective offices upon you, ye shall answer to 
the following questions : 

" ~T\® J ou Relieve tne Scriptures of the Old and New 

*J Testaments to be the Word of God, the only 
infallible rule of faith and practice ? 

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession 
of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of 
doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures ? 

Do you approve of the government and discipline 
of the Presbyterian Church in these United States ? 

Do you accept the office of ruling Elder [or 
Deacon, as the case may be] in this congregation, 



Elders and Deacons. 231 

and promise faithfully to perform all the duties 
thereof? 

Do you promise to study the peace, unity, and 
purity of the Church ? 



" The Elder or Deacon elect having answered these questions in the affirma- 
tive, the Minister shall address to the members of the Church the following 
question : 



" T\® y ou > *^ e mem ^ ers of this Church, acknowledge 
-^ and receive this brother as a ruling Elder [or 
Deacon], and do you promise to yield him all that 
honour, encouragement, and obedience, in the Lord, 
to which his office, according to the Word of God, and 
the constitution of this Church, entitles him ? 



"The members of the Church having answered this question in the affirma- 
tive, by holding up their right hands, the Minister shall proceed to set apart 
the candidate, by prayer, to the office of ruling Elder, or Deacon, as the caso 
may be." 



Let us pray. 



PRAYER. 






f\ LORD God, our Heavenly Father ! we thank 
^ Thee that it hath pleased Thee, for the better 
edification of Thy Church, to ordain in it, besides the 
Ministers of the Word, rulers and assistants, by 



232 Ordination of 

whom Thy Church may be preserved in peace and 
prosperity, and the indigent assisted ; and that Thou 
hast at present granted us, in this place, men who 
are of good report, and we hope endowed with Thy 
Spirit. We beseech Thee, replenish them more and 
more with such gifts as are necessary for them in 
their ministration : with the gifts of wisdom, courage, 
discretion, and benevolence; to the end that every 
one may, in his respective office, acquit himself as is 
becoming: The Elders, in taking diligent heed unto 
the doctrine and conversation, in keeping out the 
wolves from the sheep-fold of Thy beloved Son, and in 
admonishing and reproving disorderly persons. In 
like manner the Deacons, in carefully receiving, and 
liberally and prudently distributing the alms to the 
poor, and in comforting them with Thy holy Word. 
Give grace both to the Elders and to the Deacons, 
that they may persevere in their faithful labour, and 
never become weary by reason of any trouble, pain, 
or persecution of the world. Grant also Thy divine 
grace to this people over whom they are placed, that 
they may willingly submit themselves to the good ex- 
hortations of the Elders, counting them worthy of 
honour for their work's sake. Give also unto them 



Elders and Deacons. 233 

liberal hearts toward the poor, and to the poor grateful 
hearts toward those who help and serve them : to the 
end that every one acquitting himself of his duty, Thy 
holy Name may thereby be magnified, and the king- 
dom of Thy Son Jesus Christ enlarged, in whose 
Name we conclude our prayer. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

To be said by the Minister and People. 

/^\UR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the 
power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 



" The Minister, having set apart the candidate by prayer, shall give to him 
and to the congregation an exhortation suited to the occasion. 

" Where there is an existing Session, it is proper, that the members of that 
body, at the close of the service, and in the face of the congregation, take the 
newly-ordained Elder by the hand, saying in words to this purpose : 



"V 



E give you the right hand of fellowship, to take 
part of this office with us." 



THE FORM 



FOR OBDAINING 



MINISTERS OF THE WORD OP GOD. 



"The day appointed for Ordination being come, and the Presbytery con • 
vened, a member of the Presbytery previously appointed to that duty shall 
preach a sermon adapted to the occasion. The same, or another member ap- 
pointed to preside, shall afterwards briefly recite from the pulpit, in the au- 
dience of the people, the proceedings of the Presbytery preparatory to this 
transaction : he shall point out the nature and importance of this ordinance, 
and endeavour to impress the audience with a proper sense of the solemnity 
of the transaction." 

ADDRESS. 

T)ELOVED brethren, attend to a short declaration 
*-^ taken from the holy Scriptures, touching the 
Ministry of reconciliation and the pastoral office. 

We are not to look for the origin of this office in 
human appointment, but in God, our heavenly Father, 
who, being willing to call and gather a Church from 
among the corrupt race of men into life eternal, doth, 
by a particular mark of His favour, use the ministry 
of men therein. Accordingly, our Lord Jesus Christ, 
shortly before His ascension to heaven, gave to His 
Apostles the commission, " Go ye therefore and teach 



Ordination of Ministers. 235 

all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, 
and of the Son. and of the Holy Ghost : and lo ! I am 
with you alway, even unto the end of the world." 
Therefore St. Paul saith that the Lord Jesus Christ 
hath given "some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; 
and some, Evangelists ; and some, Pastors and Teach- 
ers : for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of 
the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ." 
Thus we see that the Pastoral office is an institution 
of Christ. 

In the Ministry, thus divinely appointed, there is 
no superiority of rank or diversity of order ; but all 
are possessed of the same authority, dignity, and 
power : being equally clothed with the right of preach- 
ing the Gospel, of administering the Sacraments and 
discipline of Christ's house, and of ordaining others to 
the same office. 

What this holy office of Pastor enjoins, may easily 
be gathered from the very name itself : for, as it is 
the duty of the shepherd to feed, guide, protect, and 
rule the flock committed to his charge, so it is with 
regard to these spiritual shepherds who are set over 
the Church which God calleth unto salvation, and ac- 
counts as sheep of His pasture. 



236 Ordination of 

The pasture with which these sheep are fed is the 
Preaching of the Gospel, accompanied with prayer and 
the administration of the holy Sacraments. The same 
Word of God is likewise the staff with which the flock 
is guided and ruled. Therefore the office of Pastors 
and Ministers of God's Word is — 

First. That they shall faithfully explain to their 
flocks the Word of the Lord, revealed by the 
writings of the Prophets and Apostles, and apply the 
same to the edification of the hearers : instructing, 
admonishing, comforting, and reproving according to 
every one's need, preaching repentance towards God, 
and reconciliation to Him through faith in Christ; 
and refuting from the holy Scriptures all schisms and 
heresies which are repugnant to the pure doctrine. 
All this is clearly signified to us in holy writ : for the 
Apostle Paul saith that these " labour in the word ;" 
and elsewhere he teacheth that this must be done 
" according to the measure," or rule, " of faith." He 
writes also that a Pastor must "rightly divide the 
Word of Truth." In another place he proposes him- 
self as a pattern to Pastors, declaring that he hath 
" publicly, and from house to house, taught and testi- 
fied repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord 



Ministers. 237 

Jesus Christ." But particularly we have a clear 
description of their office, where the Apostle thus 
speaketh : " And all things are of God, who hath re- 
conciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given 
to us the Ministry of reconciliation ; to wit, that God 
was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not 
imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath com- 
mitted unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then 
we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did 
beseech you by us : we pray you in Christ's stead, be 
ye reconciled to God." 

So also concerning the refutation of false doctrine, 
the same Apostle saith, that a Minister must "hold 
fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he 
may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to con- 
vince the gainsay ers." 

Secondly. It is the office of the Ministers publicly 
to call upon the Name of the Lord in behalf of the 
whole Congregation. For that which the Apostles say, 
c c We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to 
the Ministry of the Word," is common to these Pas- 
tors with the Apostles : to which St. Paul alluding 
speaketh thus to Timothy : "I exhort therefore, that, 
first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and 



238 Ordination of 

giving of thanks be made for all men ; for kings and 
for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet 
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty; for 
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our 
Saviour." 

Thirdly. Their office is to administer the Sacra- 
ments which the Lord hath instituted as seals of His 
grace. As is evident from the command given by 
Christ to the Apostles, and in them to all Pastors : 
" Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of 
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Likewise the 
Apostle, speaking of the institution of the Lord's 
Supper, saith, " For I have received of the Lord that 
which also I delivered unto you." 

Finally. It is the duty of the Ministers of the 
Word, together with the other Elders, to maintain the 
discipline of the Church ; and to govern it in such 
manner as the Lord hath ordained. For Christ hav- 
ing spoken of the Christian discipline, says to His 
Apostles : ' ' Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall 
be bound in heaven." This is the reason why the 
Pastors are in Scripture called " Stewards of God," 
and " Bishops :" for they have the oversight of the 
house of God, to the end that every thing may be 



Minis tees. 239 

done decently and in order ; and also have authority 
to open and shut with the keys committed to them the 
Kingdom of Heaven, according to the charge given 
them by God. 

From these things may be learned what a glorious 
work the Ministerial office is ; yea, how highly neces- 
sary it is for man's salvation : which is also the reason 
why the Lord wills that such an office should always 
remain. For Christ said, when He sent forth His 
Apostles to officiate in this holy function, " Lo ! I am 
with you alway, even unto the end of the world;" 
where we see His pleasure is, that this holy office 
should always be maintained on earth. And therefore 
St. Paul exhorteth Timothy, to " commit the things 
that he had heard of him to faithful men who should 
be able to teach others :" as he also, having ordained 
Titus a Minister, further commanded him " to ordain 
Elders in every city." 

Forasmuch therefore as we, for the maintaining of 
this office in the Church of God, are now to ordain a 
new Minister of the Word, and have sufficiently 
spoken of the office of such persons, therefore you, 

beloved brother , shall answer to the following 

questions which shall be proposed to you, to the end 



240 Ordination of 

that it may appear to all here present that you are in- 
clined to accept this office as it has been described. 

" ~Yi® y ou Relieve tne Scriptures of the Old and New 

-^ Testaments to be the Word of God, the only 
infallible rule of faith and practice ? 

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession 
of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of 
doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures ? 

Do you approve of the government and discipline 
of the Presbyterian Church in these United States ? 

Do you promise subjection to your brethren in the 
Lord? 

Have you been induced, as far as you know your 
own heart, to seek the office of the holy Ministry from 
love to God, and a sincere desire to promote His glory 
in the Gospel of His Son ? 

Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in main- 
taining the truths of the Gospel, and the purity and 
peace of the Church : whatever persecution or opposi- 
tion may arise unto you on that account ? 

Do you engage to be faithful and diligent in the ex- 
ercise of all private and personal duties, which become 
you as a Christian and a Minister of the Gospel ; as 



Ministers. 241 

well as in all relative duties, and the public duties 
of jour office : endeavouring to adorn the profession 
of the Gospel by your conversation ; and walking with 
exemplary piety before the flock' over which God shall 
make you overseer ? 

Are you now willing to take the charge of this con- 
gregation, agreeably to your declaration at accepting 
their call ? And do you promise to discharge the 
duties of a Pastor to them, as God shall give you 
strength ? 



'•The Candidate having answered these questions m the affirmative, the Pre- 
siding Minister shall propose to the people the following questions : 



D 



you, the people of this congregation, continue 

to profess your readiness to receive , 

whom you have called to be your Minister ? 

Do you promise to receive the Word of truth from 
his mouth, with meekness and love ; and to submit to 
him in the due exercise of discipline ? 

Do you promise to encourage him in his arduous 
labour, and to assist his endeavours for your instruc- 
tion arid spiritual edification ? 

And do you engage to continue to him, while he is 

your Pastor, that competent worldly maintenance 

which you have promised ; and whatever else you may 
11 



242 Ordination of 

see needful for the honour of religion, and his comfort 

among jou ? 

• 

" The people having answered these questions in the affirmative, (by holding 
up their right hands,) the Candidate shall kneel down in the most conve- 
nient part of the church. Then the Presiding Minister shall, by prayer, and 
with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, according to the Apos- 
tolic example, solemnly ordain him to the holy office of the Gospel Min- 
istry. 

"As it is sometimes desirable and important that a candidate who has not re- 
ceived a call to be the pastor of a particular congregation, should neverthe- 
less be ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry, as an Evangelist to 
preach the. Gospel, administer Sealing Ordinances, and organize churches, in 
frontier or desolate settlements ; in this case, the last of the preceding ques- 
tions [and the questions to the people] shall be omitted, and the following 
used as a substitute : viz., 

" Are you now willing to undertake the work of an 
Evangelist ; and do you promise to discharge the du- 
ties which may be incumbent on you in this character, 
as God shall give you strength V 

Let us pray. 

THE ORDAINING PRAYER. 

f\ LORD, to Whom all power is given in heaven and 
^ in earth ! Thou art the Eternal Son of the Fa- 
ther ; Who hast so loved Thy Chui;ch, that to redeem 
and purify it Thou didst humble Thyself to the death 
of the Cross, and there shed Thy most innocent 
blood. And to retain this Thy most excellent benefit 
in memory, Thou hast appointed in Thy Church pas- 
tors and teachers, to instruct, admonish, and comfort 



Ministers. 243 

Thy people. Look upon us mercifully, Lord, Thou 
only King, Teacher, and High Priest to Thine own 
flock ; and send unto this Thy servant our brother, 
whom in Thy Name we set apart and ordain, such a 
portion of Thy Holy Spirit, that he may rightly di- 
vide Thy Word, to the instruction of Thy flock, and 
the overthrow of error and vice. Give unto him, 
good Lord, Thy grace and wisdom, whereby the ene- 
mies of Thy truth may be confounded, the blind and 
ignorant edified, and Thy sheep fed in the wholesome 
pastures of Thy most Holy Word. Multiply Thy 
graces upon him. Illuminate him with Thy Holy 
Spirit. Comfort and strengthen him in all virtue. 
Govern and guide his ministry, to the praise of Thy 
Holy Name, the promotion of Thy Kingdom, the com- 
fort of Thy Church, and to the plain discharge of his 
own conscience in the day of the Lord Jesus : To 
Whom, with the Father and with the Holy Ghost, be 
all honour, praise, and glory, now and ever. Amen. 



" Prayer being ended, he shall rise from his knees ; and the Minister who pre- 
sides shall first, and afterward all the members of the Presbytery in their 
order, take him by the right hand, saying, in words to this purpose, 



"W 



E give you the right hand of fellowship, to take 
part of this ministry with us." 



244 Ordination of 



After which the Minister presiding, or some other appointed for the purpose, 
shall give a solemn charge in the Name of God to the newly-ordained 
Bishop, and to the people, to persevere in the discharge of their mutual 
duties." 



THE CONGREGATION. 

rjlAKE heed, therefore, beloved brother, and fellow- 
-*- servant in Christ, unto thyself and to all the 
flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made thee 
overseer ; to feed the Church of God, which He hath 
purchased with His own blood. Love Christ, and feed 
His sheep, taking the oversight thereof not by con- 
straint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a 
ready mind, neither as being lord over God's heritage, 
but being an ensample to the flock. Be thou an ex- 
ample of the believers, in word, in conversation, in 
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Give attend- 
ance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect 
not the gift that is in thee, meditate upon these things, 
give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may 
appear to all : take heed unto the doctrine, and con- 
tinue stedfast therein. Bear patiently all sufferings 
and oppressions, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ ; for 
in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them 
that hear thee. And when the chief Shepherd shall 






Ministers. 2f-> 

appear, thou shalt receive a crown of glory that fadeth 
not away. 

A ND you likewise, beloved Christians, receive this 
-*■-*- your Minister in the Lord with all gladness, and 
hold such in reputation. Remember that God Him- 
self through Him speaketh unto you and beseecheth 
you. Receive the Word, which he, according to the 
Scripture, shall preach unto you, not as the word of 
men, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God. Let 
the feet of those that preach the Gospel of peace, and 
bring glad tidings of good things, be beautiful and 
pleasant unto you. Obey them that have the rule 
over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch for 
your souls, as they that must give account, that they 
may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is un- 
profitable for you. If you do these things, it shall 
come to pass, that the peace of- God shall enter into 
your houses, and that you who receive this man in the 
name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward, 
and through his preaching, believing in Christ, shall 
through Christ inherit life eternal. 

" Then the presiding Minister shall, hy prayer, recommend both the newly- 
ordained Minister and the congregation, to the grace of God, and His holy 
keeping." 



246 Ordination of 

Let us pray. 

PRAYER. 

]l iTERCIFUL Father, we thank Thee that it pleas- 
- J -' J - eth Thee, by the ministry of men, to gather a 
Church to Thyself unto life eternal, from amongst the 
children of men. We bless Thee for so graciously 
providing the church in this place with a faithful 
Minister. We beseech Thee to qualify him daily more 
and more by Thy Holy Spirit, for the ministry to 
which Thou hast ordained and called him. Enlighten 
his understanding to comprehend Thy holy Word, and 
give him utterance, that he may boldly open his 
mouth, to make known and dispense the mysteries of 
the Gospel. Endue him with wisdom and valour, to 
rule the people aright over whom he is set, and to pre- 
serve them in Christian peace, to the end that Thy 
Church, under his administration and by his good ex- 
ample, may increase in number and in virtue. Grant 
him courage to bear the difficulties and troubles which 
he may meet with in his ministry, that being strength- 
ened by the comfort of Thy Spirit, he may remain 
stedfast to the end, and be received with all faithful 
servants into the joy of his Lord. Give Thy grace 
also to this people and church, that they may becom- 






Ministers. 247 

ingly deport themselves towards this their Minister ; 
.that the j may acknowledge him to be sent of Thee ; 
that they may receive his doctrine with all reverence, 
and submit themselves to his exhortations : To the end 
that they may by his Word, believing in Christ, be 
made partakers of eternal life. Hear us, Father, 
through Thy beloved Son, who hath thus taught us to 
pray: 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

To be said by the Minister and People. 

/^VUR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but 
deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

" Finally, after singing a Psalm, be shall dismiss the congregation with the 
usual" 

BLESSING. 

THE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 
be with you all. Amen. 



THE FORM 

FOR THE 

INSTALLATION OP A PASTOE 



ADDRESS. 

T10R the advancement of His glory in the salvation 
-*- of the children of men, it hath mercifully pleased 
the great Head of the Church, not only to ordain the 
Ministry of reconciliation, but to institute various- 
offices in His Church. Accordingly, the Apostle de- 
clares that the Lord Jesus Christ hath given some, 
u apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists ; 
and some, pastors and teachers ; for the perfecting of 
the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edify- 
ing of the body of Christ." The offices thus enumer- 
ated are both extraordinary and ordinary : The for- 
mer have ceased, as the occasions which called for 
their services have passed; but the latter continue, 
and will remain in the Church during the entire dis- 
pensation of grace. These ordinary and perpetual 



Installation. 249 

officers are teachers and bishops, or pastors. The pas- 
toral office is the first in the Church both in dignity 
and usefulness. It is constituted by the Head of the 
Church, when one of His ministering servants is set 
over a particular church or people as their spiritual 
teacher, shepherd, and overseer. It belongs to his 
office to pray for and with his people, as their mouth 
unto God ; to read the sacred Scriptures publicly in 
the sanctuary to the people ; to feed the flock com- 
mitted to his charge with the pure Word of God ; to 
dispense the holy Sacraments agreeably to the insti- 
tution of Christ ; to maintain Christian discipline ; to 
edify the congregation, and especially the youth, by 
catechetical and biblical instruction ; to administer 
comfort to the sick and afflicted ; to lead the inquiring 
and troubled in mind to the Lord Jesus Christ : and 
as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, to fulfil the 
whole work of the Gospel ministry. 

In the discharge of these duties, he is entitled to the 
cordial co-operation of the people of his charge, and 
more especially of the elders, deacons, and members 
of the church. They should see that he is so sus- 
tained as to be free from distracting, worldly cares ; 

should cherish towards him all suitable respect; be 
11* 



250 Installation. 

bound to him in ardent affection; be tender of his 
reputation; assistant to him in their counsels; wait 
upon his ministry with punctuality and attention; 
commend him and his labours, by prayer, to the bless- 
ing of the God of all grace : and, in every possible 
manner, endeavour to be fellow-helpers with him in 
saving souls and advancing the kingdom of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Thus, while the pastoral office requires on the part 
of him who is honoured with it, all faithfulness, dili- 
gence, care, and circumspection, it demands, on the 
part of the people, all proper support, encouragement, 
and obedience in the Lord towards him who is set 
over them. These mutual duties are enjoined by the 
Apostle when he exhorts : " Obey them that have the 
rule over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch 
for your souls, as they that must give account, that 
they may do it with joy and not with grief;" and 
again, "We beseech you to know them which labour 
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and to 
esteem them very highly in love for their works' 
sake." 

Forasmuch, then, as you, beloved brother, have 
been regularly called by the proper authorities to 



Installation. 251 

take charge of this church, and you have signified 
your acceptance of this call, we shall now, in the 
Name of the Lord, propose to you the following 
questions : 

" A RE you now willing to take the charge of this 
■^-*- congregation, as their pastor, agreeably to your 
declaration at accepting their call? 

Do you conscientiously believe and declare, as far as 
you know your own heart, that in taking upon you 
this charge, you are influenced by a sincere desire to 
promote the glory of God, and the good of His 
Church? 

Do you solemnly promise, that, by the assistance of 
the grace of God, you will endeavour faithfully to dis- 
charge all the duties of a pastor to this congregation ; 
and will be careful to maintain a deportment in all 
respects becoming a Minister of the Gospel of Christ, 
agreeably to your Ordination engagements? 



" To all these, having received satisfactory answers, the Presiding Minister 
shall say : 



G 



OD, our heavenly Father, who hath called thee 
to the office of the Ministry, and to take the 



252 Installation. 

oversight of this church, enlighten thee with His 
Holy Spirit, strengthen thee with His hand, and so 
govern thee in thy Ministry, that thou mayest decently 
and fruitfully walk therein, to the glory of His Name, 
and to the advancement of the Kingdom of His Son 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



1 Then he shall propose to the people the same or like questions as those di- 
rected under the head of Ordination [page 245] ; which, having been also 
satisfactorily answered, by holding up the right hand in testimony of assent, 
he shall solemnly pronounce and declare the said Minister to be regularly 
constituted the Pastor of that congregation. A charge shall then be given 
to both parties, as directed in the case of Ordination ; and after prayer [as in 
that form], and singing a Psalm adapted to the transaction, the congregation 
shall be dismissed with the usual" 



BENEDICTION. 

fTlHE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
-*- of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 
be with you all. Amen. 






THE OFFICE 



DEDICATION OF A CHURCH 



PREFACE. 

rp.HUS saith the Lord, The heaven is My throne, 
-*- and the earth is My footstool : where is the 
house that ye build unto Me ? and where is the place 
of My rest? For all those things hath Mine hand 
made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord : 
but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor 
and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word. 

INVITATION. 

TAVING therefore this promise, dearly beloved, 
-*--*- let us draw near with a true heart, in full assu- 
rance of faith, and make known our requests untc 
God. 

INVOCATION. 

A LMIGHTY God, Who hast promised to be pre- 
■*■■*■ sent with Thy people, and to grant their re- 






254 Dedication of 

quests in the Name of Thy well-beloved Son : Look 
down, we beseech Thee, upon us, and for the sake of 
Him who is our only Saviour and Mediator with Thee, 
fulfil Thy promise in our behalf : that our thoughts 
being lifted up, and our desires drawn forth unto 
Thee, we may seek Thee acceptably this day : Through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

To be said by the Minister and People. 

/^kUR Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we for- 
give our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

Then follows the singing of a Psalm, or Hymn of praise and thanksgiving. 

Next the reading of Scripture out of the Old and New Testaments. 
The following is an appropriate selection : 

1 Kings, viii. 22-G3. Heb. x. 19-27. 

After which the General Prayer, which may be extemporaneous, or selected 
from the forms for Divine Service on the Lord's Day. 

Then let there be sung a Hymn before the 

SERMON. 






A Church. 255 



At the close of which the Minister shall call upon the people to arise, and 
dedicate their house to the Triune God. 



PRATER OE DEDICATION. 

TOLY, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which is, 
-*--*- and was, and is to come : the whole earth is full 
of Thy glory ! Thine, Lord, is the greatness, and 
the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the 
majesty ; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth 
is Thine. Now, therefore, we thank Thee, God, 
and praise Thy glorious Name. 

But who are we, that we should be able to offer so 
willingly after this sort ? For all things come of 
Thee, and of Thine own do we give Thee. Lord 
our God, all this store that we have prepared to build 
Thee an house for Thy holy Name, cometh of Thy 
hand and is all Thine own. 

Now behold, Lord our God, and look unto this 
place where we are gathered in Thy Name • and have 
respect to the prayer of Thy servants and to their sup- 
plication, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer that 
Thy servants pray before Thee this day, to take for 
Thine own this house which we would give Thee ! 

Lord God, Who art from everlasting to everlast- 
ing, and Whose kingdom is without end, Maker of 






256 Dedication of 

heaven and earth and sea ; and all that in them is ; 
King of kings and Lord of lords, Lawgiver, Defender, 
and Judge alone : to Thee we dedicate it. 

Holy and blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost ; three Persons in one God : to Thee we dedi- 
cate it. 

Father of all who believe in Jesus, and God and 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, here meet Thou 
with Thy children, teach them, strengthen them, and 
bless them : to Thee we dedicate it. 

Son of God, the Only-begotten of the Father, Head 
over all things, the Lord our Righteousness, Saviour, 
Shepherd, High Priest, and Advocate, here draw all 
men unto Thee ; here sprinkle Thy ransomed ones 
with Thine atoning blood ; here make Thy flock to lie 
down in green pastures beside the living waters ; here 
be Thou a shadow from the heat and a refuge from the 
tempest ; and, while Thy people worship in the outer 
sanctuary, pray for them within the Holiest of all : to 
Thee we dedicate it. 

Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the 
Son, Who didst come down upon our Lord Jesus beside 
Jordan, and upon the Church at the Pentecost, Who 
takest up Thine abode in all believers, Comforter, In- 



A Church. 257 

spirer, Sanctifier, here display Thy power, succeed 
Thy truth, give hope to the penitent and gladness to 
the mourner. Subdue Thy foes, hallow Thy Church, 
and accomplish all the glory of redemption : to Thee 
we dedicate it. 

Arise, Lord, into Thy rest, Thou and the ark of 
Thy strength ! 

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the 
earth ? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens 
cannot contain Thee ; how much less this house which 
we have builded ? Yet dwellest Thou also with him 
that is of a contrite and humble spirit. So be Thine 
eyes opened toward this house night and day ; and to- 
ward the place of which Thou hast said, My Name 
shall be there ; and hearken Thou unto the supplica- 
tion of Thy servants and of Thy people Israel when 
they shall pray toward this place ; and hear Thou in 
heaven, Thy dwelling-place ; and when Thou hearest, 
forgive. Dwell Thou with us in Thy tabernacle, while 
we are yet in the wilderness ; then take us up to Thy 
house in heaven, that we may dwell with Thee for 
ever. 

Give ear, Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest 



258 Dedication of a Church. 

Joseph like a flock : Thou that dwellest between the 
cherubim, shine forth. 

How dreadful is this place ! This is none other but 
the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven ! 



SCRIPTURAL 



AND OTHER 



OCCASIONAL PRATERS 



SCRIPTURAL PRAYERS, 






B 



I. 

CONFESSION. 

E merciful unto us, Lord, for we cry unto Thee. 
If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, 
Lord, who shall stand ? But there is forgiveness with 
Thee, that Thou mayest be feared. Show us Thy 
mercy, Lord, and grant us Thy salvation. Enter 
not into judgment with Thy servants, for in Thy sight 
shall no man living be justified. We acknowledge, 
Lord, our wickedness. We have sinned, we have com- 
mitted iniquity, we have done wickedly, from our 
youth even unto this day. Our transgressions are 
multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us. 
But with Thee there is mercy, and plenteous redemp- 
tion. Remember not the sins of our youth, nor our 
transgressions : according to Thy mercy remember 
Thou us, for Thy goodness' sake, Lord. Cause us 
to hear Thy loving-kindness ; cause us to know the 



262 Scriptural Prayers. 

way wherein we should walk. Teach us to do Thy 
will : for Thou art our God. Hear Thou from heaven 
Thy dwelling-place, and when Thou nearest, forgive ! 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

The Same. 
f\ LORD, we do not present our supplications before 
" Thee for our righteousness, but for Thy great 
mercies. To Thee belong mercies and forgivenesses, 
though we have rebelled against Thee, neither have 
we obeyed Thy voice, to walk in Thy laws. We have 
sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done 
wickedly, and have rebelled, by departing from Thy 
precepts, and from Thy judgments. Lord, right- 
eousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion 
of face. Now therefore, God, incline Thine ear, 
and hear ; open Thine eyes, and behold. Remember 
not against us former iniquities : let Thy tender mer- 
cies speedily prevent us. Lord, hear ! Lord, 
forgive ! Help us, God of our salvation, for the 
glory of Thy Name ; and deliver and purge away our 
sins, for Thy Name's sake : Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. 



Scriptural Praters. 263 

The Same. 
TAVE mercy upon us, God, according to Thy 
-*--*- loving-kindness ; according unto the multitude of 
Thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. Wash 
us thoroughly from our iniquity, and cleanse us from 
our sin. For we acknowledge our transgressions : 
against Thee, Thee only have we sinned. Create in us 
a clean heart, God, and renew a right spirit within 
us. Cast us not away from Thy presence ; and take 
not Thy Holy Spirit from us. Restore unto us the 
joy of Thy salvation, and uphold us with Thy free 
Spirit. Then will we teach transgressors Thy ways ; 
and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Lord, 
open Thou our lips ; and our mouth shall show forth 
Thy praise : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

II. 

ADORATION. 

T)LESSED be Thou, Lord our God, for ever and 
*~* ever ; and blessed be Thy glorious Name, which 
is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even 
Thou, art Lord alone : Thou hast made heaven, the 
heaven of heavens, with all their host; the earth, 



264 Scriptural Prayers. 

and all things that are therein ; the seas, and all that 
is therein ; and Thou preservest them all ; and the 
host of heaven worshippeth Thee. Lord of Hosts, 
God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubim: 
Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the king- 
doms of the earth. There is no god like unto Thee 
in the heaven, nor in the earth : which keepest coven- 
ant, and showest mercy unto Thy servants, that walk 
before Thee with all their hearts. Thou art a God 
ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, 
and of great kindness. 

The Same. 
"DLESSED be Thou, Lord God of Israel, our 
■U Father, for ever. Thine, God, is the great- 
ness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, 
and the majesty : for all that is in the heaven and in 
the earth is Thine : Thine is the kingdom, Lord, 
and Thou art exalted as Head above all. Both riches 
and honour come of Thee, and Thou reignest over 
all ; . and in Thine hand is power and might, and in 
Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength 
unto all. Now, therefore, our God, we thank Thee, 
and praise Thy glorious Name. 



Scriptural Prayers. 265 

The Same. 
TTOLY, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty, "which 
-*--*- was. and is, and is to come ! Thou art wor- 
thy, Lord, to receive glory and honour and power : 
for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure 
they are and were created. 

Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God 
Almighty : just and true are Thy ways, Thou King 
of saints. Who shall not fear Thee, Lord, and 
glorify Thy Name ? For Thou only art holy. For 
all nations shall come and worship before Thee. 

in. 

TH AXES GIVING. 

T)LESSED he Thou, God and Father of our 
-^ Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast blessed us with 
all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ : 
according as Thou hast chosen us in Him before the 
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and 
without blame before Thee in love : and hast pre- 
destinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus 
Christ to Thyself, according to the good pleasure of 
Thy will. We praise the glory of Thy grace, wherein 

Thou hast made us accepted in the Beloved. We 
12 



266 Scriptural Prayers. 

bless Thee that in Him we have redemption through 
His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the 
riches of Thy grace. We bless Thee for making 
known unto us the mystery of Thy will : that in the 
dispensation of the fulness of times. Thou mightest 
gather together in one all things in Christ, both which 
are in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him. 
And we give thanks unto Thee, Lord ! for the faith 
and love of all Thy saints : beseeching Thee that they, 
having heard the Gospel of their salvation, and trusted 
in Christ, may be sealed with that Holy Spirit of 
Promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until 
the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the 
praise of Thy glory. 

The Same. 
OLESSED be Thou, God and Father of our 
■*-* Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to Thine 
abundant mercy hast begotten us again unto a lively 
hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the 
dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, 
and that fadeth not away ; reserved in heaven for us, 
who are kept by the power of God through faith unto 
salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. 



Sceiptukal Prayers. 267 

IV. 
SUPPLICATION. 

A Prayer for Wisdom. 
f\ GOD of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of 
^ Glory, give unto us the Spirit of wisdom and 
revelation in the knowledge of Him : that the eyes 
of our understanding may be enlightened; that we 
may know what is the hope of His calling, and what 
the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the 
saints; and what the exceeding greatness of Thy 
power to us- ward who believe, according to its mighty 
working in Christ, when Thou didst raise Him from 
the dead, and settest Him at Thine own right hand in 
the heavenly places, far above all principality, and 
power, and might, and dominion, and every name that 
is named, not only in this world, but also in that which 
is to come : and hast put all things under His feet, 
and gavest Him to be the Head over all things to the 
Church, which is His Body, the fulness of Him that 
filleth all in all. 



o 



For Spiritual Strength. 
FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom 
the whole Family in heaven and earth is named : 



268 Sckiptural Praters. 

We bow our knees unto Thee, beseeching Thee that 
Thou wouldst grant us, according to the riches of 
Thy glory, to be strengthened with might by Thy Spirit 
in the inner man : That Christ may dwell in our 
hearts by faith ; that we, being rooted and grounded 
in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, 
what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, 
and to know the love of Christ, that passeth knowl- 
edge ; that we may be filled with all the fulness of 
God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according 
to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory 
in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, 
world without end. Amen. 

For a Good Judgment. 

A LMIGHTY God, we pray Thee, that the love of 
-*-■*- all Thy People may abound yet more and more, 
in knowledge and in all judgment : that they may ap- 
prove things that are excellent ; that they may be 
sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 
being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are 
by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 



Scriptural Pbayers. 269 

For Assurance. 
C\ RANT, Almighty God, that the hearts of Thy 
W People may be comforted, being knit together in 
love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of un- 
derstanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of 
God, and of the Father, and of Christ, in Whom are 
hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

For Hope. 

r\ GOD of Hope, fill us with all joy and peace in 
*** believing, that we may abound in hope, through 
the power of the Holy Ghost. 

For Faith and Charity. 

OGOD, we render thanks unto Thee for the faith 
and charity of Thy People, and for all the joy 
wherewith we joy for their sakes before Thee. And 
we pray Thee to perfect that which is lacking in their 
faith. Make them to increase and abound in love one 
toward another, and toward all men : to the end that 
Thou mayest stablish their hearts unblameable in holi- 
ness before God, even our Father, at the coming of 
our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. Thou 



270 Scriptural Prayers. 

very God of peace, sanctify them -wholly ; and may 
their whole spirit and soul and body be preserved 
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ : 
To Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

For Grace to do Good Works. 
f\ GOD of Peace, that broughtest again from the 
^ dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the 
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, 
make us perfect in every good work to do Thy will, 
working in us that which is well-pleasing in Thy 
sight, through Jesus Christ : To Whom be glory for 
ever and ever. Amen. 

For Perseverance. 
C\ OD of all Grace, Who hast called us unto Thine 
^ eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that we have 
suffered a while, make us perfect, stablish, strengthen, 
settle us ; that God in all things may be glorified 
through Jesus Christ : To Whom be praise and domi- 
nion for ever and ever. Amen. 



o 



For Unity. 
GOD of Patience and Consolation, grant us to be 
like-minded one toward another according to 



SCEIPTUEAL PKAYEES. 271 

Jesus Christ : that we may with one mind and one 
mouth glorify Thee, even the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

For Increase of Grace. 
A LMIGHTY God, we thank Thee for Thy grace 
-*■-*- which is given us by Christ Jesus : beseeching 
Thee that in every thing we may be enriched by Him, 
in all utterance and in all knowledge, so that we come 
behind in no gift : waiting for the revelation of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall also confirm us unto the 
end, that we may be blameless in that day. Thou art 
faithful, God, by Whom we were called unto the 
fellowship of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord : To 
Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

For Deliverance from Sin. 

f\ GOD, we thank Thee that we, who were the ser- 
^ vants of sin, have obeyed from the heart that 
form of doctrine which was delivered us : and being 
now made free from sin, and become servants to God, 
may we have our fruit unto holiness, and the end 
everlasting life : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 



272 Scriptural Prayers. 

For Patience. 
T\IRECT our hearts, Lord, into the love of God, 
■*^ and into the patience of Christ. 



o 



For Peace. 
LORD of Peace, give us peace always by all 



means. 



For Stedfastness. 
f\ GOD, Who hast from the beginning chosen us to 
^ salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, 
and belief of the truth : Grant us grace to stand fast, 
and hold the traditions which we have been taught, to 
the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Lord Jesus Christ, and God, even our Father, Who 
Thyself hast loved us, and hast given us everlasting 
consolation, and good hope through grace : Comfort 
our hearts, and stablish us in every good word and 
work : that we may stand perfect and complete in all 
the will of God. 

For Sanctification. 

T70UCHSAFE, our God, we pray Thee, to count 

' us worthy of Thy calling, and fulfil all the 



Scriptural Prayers. 273 

good pleasure of Thy goodness, and the work of faith 
with power : that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ 
may be glorified in us, and we in Him, according to 
the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

For Spiritual Comfort. 
T1LESSED be Thou, God, even the Father of our 
-^ Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and 
the God of all comfort, Who comfortest us in all our 
tribulation, that we maybe able to comfort them which 
are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we our- 
selves are comforted of Thee. And as the sufferiDgs 
of Christ abound in us, so may our consolation also 
abound by Christ : that as we are partakers of the 
sufferings; so we may be also of the consolation. De- 
liver us, God, in Whom we trust, and grant us the 
testimony of a good conscience, that in simplicity and 
godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by Thy 
grace, we may have our conversation in the world. 
Thanks be unto Thee, God, Who always causest us 
to triumph in Christ, and makest manifest the savour 
of Thy knowledge by us in every place. 



12* 



274 Scriptural Prayers. 

v. 

INTERCESSION. 

For the Universal Church. 
f\ GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we 
^ give Thee thanks for all Thy saints our faithful 
brethren in Christ : desiring that they might be filled 
with the knowledge of Thy will, in all wisdom and 
spiritual understanding ; that they might walk worthy 
of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every 
good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. 
Strengthen them with all might, according to Thy 
glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering 
with joyfulness. May they ever give thanks unto 
Thee, Father, Who hast made us meet to be par- 
takers of the inheritance of the saints in light ; Who 
hast delivered us from the power of darkness, and hast 
translated us into the kingdom of Thy dear Son : 
in Whom we have redemption through His blood, even 
the forgiveness of sins. 



t3- 



For all Classes of Men. 



o 



GOD our Saviour, who wouldest have all men to 



be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the 
truth : Let Thy way be known upon the earth, Thy 



Scriptural Prayers. 275 

saving health unto all nations. Let the kingdoms of 
this world become the kingdoms of the Lord and of 
His Christ. We pray for kings, and for all that are 
in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable 
life in all godliness and honesty. And we beseech 
Thee for Thy servants, who in every place make mani- 
fest the savour of Thy knowledge, preaching among 
the nations the unsearchable riches of Christ. Supply 
them with Thy Spirit ; open unto them doors of utter- 
ance, to make known the mystery of the Gospel : de- 
liver them from unreasonable and wicked men : and 
may the Word of the Lord every where have free 
course and be glorified, even as it is with us. Lord 
of the harvest, send forth labourers into Thy har- 
vest. 

VI. 
ASCRIPTIONS OF PRAISE. 

1VTOW to God only Wise be glory through Jesus 
-*- ' Christ for ever. Amen. 

Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, 
the only Wise Gocl, be honour and glory for ever and 
ever. Amen. 

Now to the blessed and only Potentate, the King of 
kings, and Lord of lords : Who only hath immortal- 



276 Scriptural Prayers. 

ity, dwelling in the light which no man can approach 
unto ; Whom no man hath seen, nor can see : To Him 
be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 

ISTow unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, 
and to present us faultless before the presence of His 
glory with exceeding joy : To the only Wise God our 
Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, 
both now and ever. Amen. 

Of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all 
things : To Whom be glory for ever. Amen. 

Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto 
the Lord our God. 

To Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

To Him be glory, both now and for ever. Amen. 

Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our 
sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and 
priests unto God and His Father : To Him be glory 
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, 
and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and 
glory, and blessing. Amen. 

Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, 
and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God, 
for ever and ever. Amen. 









Scriptural Prayers. 277 

Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be 
unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the 
Lamb for ever and ever. Amen. 

Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne, 
and unto the Lamb. 

To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



COMPREHENSIVE PRAYER, 



IN THE WORDS OF SCRIPTUEE. 



ADOEATIOIST. 

f\ GOD, Thou art our God. early will we seek 
^ Thee ; our God, and we will praise Thee ; our 
fathers' God, and we will exalt Thee. Thou art very 
great, clothed with honour and majesty. Thou cover- 
est Thyself with light as with a garment ; and in Thee 
is no darkness at all. 

Thou art God Thyself alone ; and, besides Thee, 
there is none else. The heavens declare Thy glory, 
and the firmament showeth forth Thy handy work. 
The invisible things of God, from the creation of the 
world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things 
that are made, even Thine eternal power and God-head. 

Thou art transcendently great in all Thy perfec- 
tions. Thou art glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, 



A Comprehensive Prayer. 279 

doing wonders. Who, in the heavens, can be compared 
unto the Lord ? Who, among the sons of the mighty, 
can be likened unto Thee, Lord God of hosts ? As 
the heavens are high above the earth, so are Thy 
thoughts above our thoughts, and Thy ways above our 
ways. All nations, before Thee, are as the drop of a 
bucket, or the small dust of. the balance ; and Thou 
takest up the isles as a very little thing : they are as 
nothing, and counted to Thee as less than nothing, and 
as vanity. 

Thou art the eternal, immortal, and unchangeable 
God. Before the mountains were brought forth, or 
ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from 
everlasting to everlasting Thou art God, the same yes- 
terday, to-day, and for ever. 

Thou art the omnipresent God. None can hide 
himself in secret places, that Thou canst not see 
him, for Thou fillest heaven and earth with Thy 
presence. 

Thou art the omniscient Jehovah. All things are 
naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom 
we have to do. Thou understandest our thoughts afar 
off: there is not a word in our tongue, but lo ! 
Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. 



280 A Comprehensive Prater. 

Thy wisdom is unsearchable. Thine understanding, 
Lord, is infinite. Thou tellest the number of the 
stars, and callest them all by their names. Thou art 
wonderful in council, excellent in working, wise in 
heart, and mighty in strength. the depth of the 
wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are 
His judgments, and His ways past finding out ! 

Thy sovereignty is incontestable. Thou dost ac- 
cording to Thy will, in the armies of heaven, and 
among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay 
Thy hand, or say unto Thee, What doest Thou ? 

Thy power is irresistible. We know, God, that 
Thou canst do every thing. All power is Thine, both 
in heaven and in earth : Thou killest, and Thou makes* 
alive : Thou woundest, and Thou healest : and there 
is none that can deliver out of Thy hand. 

Thou art a God of unspotted purity and perfect 
rectitude. Thou art holy, Thou that inhabitest the 
praises of Israel. Holy and reverend is Thy Name ; 
and we give thanks at the remembrance of Thy holi- 
ness. Thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity ; 
neither shall evil dwell with Thee. 

Thy justice is inflexible, Thy truth inviolable, and 
the treasures of Thy goodness inexhaustible. Thou 



Adokation. 281 

art righteous. Lord, in all Thy ways, and holy in all 
Thy works. Thy righteousness is as the great moun- 
tains : all Thy ways are truth and judgment. Thou 
art good, and Thy mercy endureth for ever. Thy lov- 
ing kindness is great towards us, and Thy truth en- 
dureth to all generations. Thou hast proclaimed Thy 
Name, the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, 
slow to anger, abundant in goodness and truth, keep- 
ing mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgres- 
sion, and sin. 

These, Lord, are but part of Thy ways ; for who 
by searching can find out God ? who can find out the 
Almighty to perfection ? 

We praise Thee as a God of ineffable glory. Thou 
hast prepared Thy throne in the heavens ; and the 
Seraphim veil their faces before Thee. Thou makest 
Thine angels spirits, and Thy ministers a flame of fire : 
Thousand thousands minister unto Thee, and ten 
thousand times ten thousand stand before Thee. Thou 
art worthy, Lord, to receive blessing, and honour, 
and glory, and power ; for Thou hast created all 
things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were creat- 
ed. The earth is full of Thy riches ; Thy kingdom 
ruleth over all : a sparrow falls not to the ground 



282 A Comprehensive Prayer. 

without our Father ; and the hairs of our head are all 
numbered. 

Thou madest man at first out of the dust of the 
ground, and didst breathe into him the breath of life, 
and he became a living soul. Thou hast made of one 
blood all the nations of men, for to dwell on all the 
face of the earth, and hast determined the times be- 
fore appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. 

We adore Thee, as the one living and true God, 
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. We give 
honour to the Son as to the Father ; and to the Com- 
forter, the Holy Spirit, who is sent to teach us all 
things, and to bring all things to our remembrance. 
We praise Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the 
Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier. Thou 
hast made us, and not we ourselves : and therefore we 
are not our own, but Thine, Thy people, and the 
sheep of Thy pasture. In Thee we live, and move, 
and have our being. Thou hast redeemed us from 
evil. We are bought with a price. It is of Thy 
mercy that we are not consumed, even because Thy 
compassions fail not. Thou hast appointed us a High 
Priest, in Whose Name we may come boldly to the 
throne of grace. We make mention of the righteous- 
ness of Christ, and of His only. 



Confession. 283 

confession. 
Tl/TOST merciful God, we come unto Thee, in hum- 
- L "- L ble dependence upon His atonement and inter- 
cession, and confess our sins, which are many and 
great. Against Thee, Thee only, have we sinned, 
God : and to us belongeth shame and confusion of 
face. Behold, we are vile; what shall we answer 
Thee ? We will lay our hand upon our mouth. Thou 
puttest no trust in Thy saints ; yea, the heavens are 
not clean in Thy sight. How much more abominable 
and filthy is man, who drinketh iniquity like water ? 
We have ruined ourselves : but in Thee is our help. 
If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who 
should stand ? But there is forgiveness with Thee, 
that Thou mayest be feared : with Thee there is mer- 
cy : yea, with our God there is plenteous redemption. 
Lord, Thou madest man upright, but he hath 
sought out many inventions. Our first parents re- 
belled against Thee ; and we are transgressors from 
the womb. We are a seed of evil doers. We have 
dealt very treacherously. By one man's disobedience, 
many were made sinners. By one man sin entered 
into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed 
upon all men, for that all have sinned. Behold, we 



284 A Comprehensive Prayer. 

were sliapen in iniquity. We are by nature children 
of wrath j even as others. All flesh have corrupted 
their way ; we are all gone aside ; we are altogether 
become filthy ; there is none righteous ; there is none 
that doeth good ; no, not one. 

Our understandings are darkened by reason of sin ; 
our wills are stubborn and perverse ; and our affections 
are alienated from Thee. We are wise to do evil, but 
to good we have no knowledge. Our neck hath been 
an iron sinew ; and we have made our hearts as the 
adamant. We have followed after vanities, and for- 
saken our mercies. We have set our affections on 
things beneath; and our hearts have departed from 
the living God. We are prone to evil as the sparks 
fly upward. Our hearts are deceitful above all things. 
and desperately wicked. Lord, we lament our ir- 
regular appetites, and inordinate passions. We bewail 
our pride, our carnality, and worldly-mindedness. Our 
sins are attended with exceedingly great aggravations. 
We have sinned against the clearest light, the tender- 
est love, and the most faithful warnings of God, of 
parents, of ministers, and of our own consciences. 
And now, Lord, what shall we say ? For we have 
forsaken Thy commandments : we have sinned, 



Supplication. 285 

what shall we do unto Thee, Thou Preserver of 
men? 

Glory, glory to Thy Name in the highest, that 
there is any hope for the lost and sinful children of 
men; that Thou hast entertained purposes of mercy 
towards any of the guilty race ; that the joyful sound 
of peace and reconciliation with God hath reached our 
ears. We thank Thee that Thou hast so loved the 
world as to give Thine Only Begotten Son, that who- 
soever believeth in Him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. 

SUPPLICATION. 

TN the all-prevailing Name of Jesus of Nazareth, a 
-*- Name with which Thou art ever well pleased, we 
present our prayers and supplications to Thee. And 
now, Lord, what wait we for ? Our eyes are unto Thee, 
and our hope is in Thee, through Christ Jesus our 
Redeemer. Deliver us from all our transgressions ; 
and, God, be merciful to us sinners. Wash us 
thoroughly from our iniquity, and cleanse us from our 
sin. For we acknowledge our trans gressions : and our 
sin is ever before us. Justify us freely by Thy grace, 
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus our 
Lord. 



286 A Comprehensive Prayer 

Create in us a clean heart, God, and renew a 
right spirit within us. Work in us the work of faith 
with power. Dispose us to a godly sorrow for our 
sins, and give us repentance unto life. Shed abroad 
Thy love in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto 
us. Teach us Thy statutes, and give us understand- 
ing that we may know Thy testimonies. May we 
know God and Jesus Christ, whom to know is eternal 
life. Put Thy fear, Lord, into our hearts, that we 
may never depart from Thy law. Hide pride from 
our eyes, and clothe us with humility. Enable us to 
put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 
God of peace, let not anger dwell in our bosoms. Pill 
us with charity and brotherly love, that we may keep 
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. May 
our consciences be always tender. May we abstain 
from all appearance of evil. Incline us to content- 
ment with the allotments of Thy providence ; and 
form us to submission and resignation to Thy will. 
May we ever possess our souls in patience ; and feel 
a holy indifference to all the objects of time and 
sense. Lord, furnish us with hope, which maketh 
not ashamed ; that living hope, which is as an anchor 
to the soul, both sure and stedfast. 



Supplication. 287 

Enable us, Lord, to be circumspect in all our 
conversation, watching over our thoughts, our lips. 
and our lives. May the grace of God teach us, that 
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we may live 
soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world : 
looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appear- 
ing of that great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ : 
Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us 
from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar 
people, zealous of good works. Lord, quicken us in 
the ways of righteousness. Let us ever practise the 
things which are honest in the sight of all men. 
May we be diligent in every duty, performing it with 
a ready mind and with joy and gladness of heart. 
May we have grace always to live in the exercise of 
devotion and piety towards G;od ; of truth, charity, 
and righteousness towards men ; and to maintain 
chastity, temperance, and sobriety towards ourselves. 
Grant that we may increase in all godliness ; -that we 
may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Lord, "Who art the confidence of all the ends of 
the earth, preserve us from temptation ; support us 
under afflictions : comfort us in sorrows ; make us use- 



288 A COMPREHENSIVE PkAYER. 

ful in life, and prepare us for death : And when we 
have done serving Thee here below, admit us, we 
beseech Thee, to that state of rest and perfection 
which Thou hast reserved for Thy people in the 
heavenly world. 

THANKSGIVING. 

A ND now, Lord our God, we desire to lift up our 
-*--*- hearts to Thee, in a grateful acknowledgement 
of all Thy mercies and benefits to us. We praise 
Thee, as the King of kings and Lord of lords, full of 
compassion and goodness to the children of men. 
We thank Thee that Thou hast formed us reasonable 
creatures, capable of knowing, serving, and enjoying 
Thee. We bless Thee for Thy preserving care ; for 
our lives, our health, our food and raiment ; for our 
friends, our comforts, and all our temporal enjoy- 
ments. Above all, we praise Thee, most merciful 
Father, for spiritual blessings in heavenly places in 
Christ Jesus. 

We thank Thee, Lord, for the early intimations 
of good-will to fallen men ; that the seed of the wo- 
man should bruise the serpent's head. We adore 
Thee for the wonderful and mysterious incarnation of 



Thanksgiving. 289 

Thine Only-begotten Son. We praise Thee, that 
when the fulness of time was come. Thou didst send 
forth Thy Son. made of a woman, made under the 
law, to redeem them that were under the law. that 
we might receive the adoption of sons. We thank 
Thee for His gracious undertaking : for His exem- 
plary life : His soul-saving doctrines : for the stu- 
pendous miracles whereby He confirmed His divine 
mission ; and, in a special manner, for His meritorious 
death and sufferings. We bless Thee that He was 
delivered for our offences, and rose again for our 
justification ; that He hath ascended to His Father 
and our Father, to His God and our God : and that 
He ever liveth to make intercession for us. 

We thank Thee, Lord God of grace, for the 
Holy Spirit, and for His sanctifying and comforting 
influences upon the souls of men : for the Covenant 
of grace and all the precious promises thereof; for 
Thy Word : for the Gospel Ministry, and the insti- 
tution of all Thine Ordinances : for Sabbaths : and 
for Sanctuary blessings. We praise Thee for the 
striving of Thy Spirit, and for the remonstrances and 
admonitions of our consciences : for enlightening, re- 
newing, justifying, adopting, and sanctifying grace : 
13 



290 A COMPEEHENSIVE PeAYEK. 

for sweet communion with Thee in Thine ordinances ; 
for gracious answers to our prayers : for succour in 
temptations ; for support under troubles ; and for the 
joyful hopes of a glorious immortality. 

INTERCESSION. 

"ATOW, O Thou Most High, when we pray unto 
-*- ^ Thee, we would remember and make supplication 
for all the children of men. Extend, we beseech Thee, 
Thy mercy to a guilty world ; and let all the ends of 
the earth see the salvation of our God. Let Thy Gos- 
pel be preached unto every creature ; and add unto 
Thy Church daily such as shall be saved. Give unto 
Thy Son the heathen for His inheritance, and the 
uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. 
Lord, gather into the Gospel Church Thine ancient 
people the Jews : hasten the latter-day glory : accom- 
plish all the purposes of Thy grace : remove every 
thing which is a let or hindrance to the advancement 
of the Redeemer's Kingdom : take away all error and 
idolatry, anti-christian superstition, and Mohammedan 
delusion. 

We pray for Thy blessing upon Thy Church Uni- 
versal, and upon every branch of it in particular. 



Intekcession. 291 

Lord, pity any part of Thy Church that may be 
suffering affliction or persecution. Let not the rod 
of the wicked rest upon the lot of the righteous ; 
strengthen the faith and patience of Thy suffering 
saints, that they may hope and quietly wait for the 
salvation of the Lord. Pour out Thy Spirit upon all 
Thy Churches ; revive Thy work in the midst of the 
years ; cause pure and undefiled religion universally 
to prevail ; arise, have mercy upon Zion, and let the 
time to favour her, yea, the set time, come. 

Heavenly Father, do Thou bless all the Ministers 
of Thy Gospel ; purify the sons of Levi, and make 
those holy who bear the vessels of the Lord ; make 
them burning and shining lights in Thy golden candle- 
sticks ; and may they turn many to righteousness, and 
shine as stars in the firmament of glory for ever and ever. 

Lord, we pray for Thy special favour to Thy 
Churches in this land. Be very gracious to all the 
Congregations and Ministers of this Church. Bless 
our Presbyteries, our Synods, and our General Coun- 
cil. May their deliberations at all times have a happy 
tendency to promote true religion, and to advance 
more and more the interests of the Redeemer's King- 
dom. Make all our people holy in their lives, and 






292 A COMPREHENSIVE PRAYER. 

godly in their conversation. May they be an orna- 
ment to their profession ; and may our Church be a 
praise in the land. 

Thou, who art King among the nations, visit all 
the nations and kingdoms of the earth with Thy good- 
ness, Thy mercy, and Thy salvation. Deal favourably, 
Lord, with the land in which we live. Thou 
hope of Israel, the Saviour thereof in time of trouble, 
be not as a stranger in our land, and as a way-faring 
man, that turneth aside to tarry for a night. Make 
this Emmanuel's land. May it be a valley of vision, 
a land wherein truth, peace, and righteousness shall 
always dwell. 

Give, Lord, we entreat Thee, prosperity to the 
inhabitants of this country, in their husbandry, their 
trades, and their merchandize. Make not our heaven 
brass, nor our earth iron ; but grant us, we pray Thee, 
rain in due season ; and reserve unto us the appointed 
weeks of harvest. Let our land yield her increase, 
and our trees their fruit. Abundantly bless our pro- 
vision, and satisfy our poor with bread. Lord, 
bless all in authority over us, supreme and subordinate. 
Counsel our counsellors, and teach our senators wis- 
dom. Make our officers peace, and our exactors right- 



Intekcession. 293 

eousness. May all our magistrates and rulers rule 
in the fear of God, be able men, men of truth, fearing 
God, and hating covetousness. May judgment run 
down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. 

Lord, we pray for all schools, colleges, and other 
seminaries of learning. From these fountains may 
streams issue, which shall make glad the city of our 
God. Bless all teachers in them ; and may the youth 
be trained up in the fear of the Lord. 

Most gracious God, we beseech Thee to extend com- 
passion to the sons and daughters of affliction. Heal 
the sick ; ease the pained ; support the distressed ; 
succour the tempted ; comfort mourners ; restore to 
their right mind those who are deprived of the use of 
their reason ; be the God of the widow, the father of 
the fatherless, and the orphan's stay. 

And now, Lord, our God, we commit ourselves 
unto Thee ; we hope in Thy mercies ; and we wait for 
Thy salvation. Pardon the iniquity of our holy 
things. We ask and offer all, in the Name of our 
once crucified, but now exalted Redeemer, the Lord 
Jesus Christ : to Whom, with the Father, and the 
Spirit of all grace, be ascribed glory, honour, do- 
minion, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. 



SUNDRY OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



THE MORXIXG PRAYER. 

Cause one to hear Thy loving-kindness in the 
morning ; for in Thee do I trust. 

Cause r me to know the way wherein I should 
walk ; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. 

A LMIGHTY God, our Father and Preserver ! we 
-*--*- give Thee thanks that of Thy goodness Thou hast 
watched over us the past night, and brought us to this 
day. And vre beseech Thee, strengthen and guard us 
by Thy Spirit, that vre may spend it wholly in Thy 
service, aiming at Thy glory, and the salvation of our 
fellow-men. And even as Thou sheddest now the 
beams of the sun upon the earth to give light unto 
our bodies, so illumine our souls with the brightness 
of Thy Spirit, to guide us in the paths of Thine obe- 



296 Sundry Occasional Prayers. 

dience. May all our purpose be this day to honoui 
and serve Thee ; may we look for all prosperity to Thy 
blessing only, and seek no object but such as may be 
well-pleasing in Thy sight. Enable us, Lord ! while 
we labour for the body, and the life that now is, ever 
to look beyond unto that heavenly life which Thou hast 
promised Thy children. Defend us in soul and body 
from all harm. Guard us against all assaults of the 
devil, and deliver us from any dangers that may beset 
us. And seeing it is a small thing to have begun 
well, except we also persevere, take us, Lord ! into 
Thy good keeping this day, and all our clays ; con- 
tinue and increase Thy grace within us, until we shall 
be perfectly united in the glory of Thy Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord, the Sun of Righteousness, who shall 
replenish our souls with His eternal light and gladness. 
And that we may obtain all these blessings, be pleased 
to cast out of Thy remembrance all our past offences, 
and of Thy boundless mercy forgive them ; as Thou 
hast promised unto those who call upon Thee in sin- 
cerity and truth. Hear us, God, our Father and 
Redeemer ! Through Jesus Christ our Lord : In 
Whose Name we pray, as He hath taught us, saying 
— Our Father, etc. 



Evening Pea ye k. 297 

the evening prayer. 

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God ; lighten 
mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. 

I will both lay vie down in peace, and sleep ; for 
Thou, Lord ) only male est me dwell in safety. 

f\ MERCIFUL God ! Eternal Light, shining in 
" darkness, Thou that dispellest the night of sin. 
and all blindness of heart : Since Thou hast appointed 
the night for rest, and the day for labour ; we beseech 
Thee, grant that our bodies may rest in peace and 
quietness, that afterward they may be able to endure 
the labour they must bear. Temper our sleep, that it 
may be pure and peaceful ; that we may remain spot- 
less both in body and soul ; yea, that our sleep itself 
may be to Thy glory. Enlighten the eyes of our un- 
derstanding, that we may not sleep in death ; but 
always look for deliverance from this misery. Defend 
us against all assaults of the devil, and take us into 
Thy holy protection. And although we have not 
passed this day without greatly sinning against Thee, 
we beseech Thee to hide our sins with Thy mercy, as 
Thou hidest all things on earth with the darkness of 

the night, that we may never be cast out from Thy 
13* 



298 Sundey Occasional Prayers. 

presence. Relieve and comfort all those who are 
afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate : 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord ; Who hath taught 
us to pray — Our Father, etc. 



A SHORT PRAYER 



That All Men may live uprightly in their Callings. 

f" ORD God Almighty. Merciful and Pure, be pleased 
-" in favour to consider the weakness of man : and 
so sanctify us with Thy grace, that we may all con- 
fess our sins, and cry to Thee for pardon ; all acknowl- 
edge our weakness, and cry to Thee for strength ; all 
see our ignorance, and come to Thee for knowledge 
how to behave ourselves in this mortal life in our sev- 
eral callings : That thereby both Thou may est be glo- 
rified, our brethren comforted, and ourselves relieved : 
that when we shall be called by Thee to render an ac- 
count of our stewardships, we may be able to stand 
before Thee acquitted from all that either sin, the 
devil, or our corrupt flesh may charge us with : not 
through our own deservings, which in our best en- 
deavours are evil evermore ; but in the merits of Thy 
Son Jesus Christ. Amen. 



For Pardon and Help. 299 

a prayer for pardon and help. 

f\ MOST Merciful Saviour ! Who by Thy life and 
^ atoning death didst reconcile man with God ; the 
only hope of the despairing, and help of them that are 
warred against ; the ready defence of all that fly to 
Thee, the refuge of all Thy People : Abhor not us, 
who by wicked works, words, and deeds, have rendered 
ourselves utterly vile in Thy sight : but kindly pity 
us, sinners, and prodigal children, and receive our 
prayers, though offered to Thee by polluted lips. Open 
unto us, gracious Lord, Thy tender mercies ; and 
passing by our numberless offences, turn us to repent- 
ance, and make us tried doers of Thy precepts. Be 
also present with us always in Thy merciful compas- 
sion : both in this life, as a constant protector and aid, 
warding off every assault of our enemies, and leading 
us unto salvation ; and in the time of our departure, 
caring for our helpless souls, and driving far from 
them all dark visions of fear and fright ; and in the 
awful day of judgment, delivering us from everlasting 
punishment, and making us heirs of Thine unspeakable 
glory. This, Lord, we ask through Thy mediation 
and intercession : to Whom, with the Father and the 



300 Sundky Occasional Prayers. 

Holy Ghost, be all honour, glory, and dominion 

Amen. 

a prayer in time of discord. 

"| /TOST Gracious Lord, we humbly beseech Thee to 
-L*-"- grant us hearts mindful of Thy past mercies 
toward this nation. Suffer us never to fall into un- 
thankfulness and forgetfulness of Thy benefits publicly 
received. Be pleased to continue Thy fatherly guid- 
ance and direction of our ways. Dissipate the coun- 
sels of such as labour to stir up the hearts of this peo- 
ple against one another : let their malicious practices 
be for their own confusion ; and grant Thou of Thy 
mercy that love, concord, and tranquillity may con- 
tinue and increase among the inhabitaDts of this land, 
even until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ : by 
Whose glorious Gospel Thou dost call us to unity, 
peace, and Christian harmony, the full perfection 
whereof we shall possess in Thy Kingdom : where all 
offences shall be removed, all iniquity suppressed, and 
Thy chosen ones fully endued with that perfect glory 
in which our Lord Jesus now reigneth ; Unto Whom, 
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and 
glory evermore. Amen. 



Opening of a Church Court. 301 



A PRAYER AT THE OPENING OF A CHURCH COURT. 

INTERNAL God! Who of Thine infinite goodness 
-^ hast chosen unto Thyself a Church from the 
foundation of the world, we bless Thee for Thy 
fatherly love and care, in ruling, defending, and guid- 
ing Thy People in the knowledge of Thy blessed will. 
Give now, Lord, unto us who are here gathered in 
Thy Name, such a measure of Thy Holy Spirit, that 
we may see and ask of Thee those things that shall 
be expedient for Thy glory and the safety of Thy flock. 
Impart Thy grace, that we may stedfastly agree in 
the unity of the true doctrine : preserve us from all 
error ; and lead us into all purity of life, that we may 
not dishonour Thy holy Gospel. Eemove from us 
all misapprehensions and vain desires ; and grant that 
Thy holy Word may be the only guide and rule of 
all our consultations : that they may tend to the glory 
of Thy Name, the edification of Thy Church, and 
the discharge of our own conscience. Grant this, 
Father ! for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and 
Redeemer : To Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 
be all honour and praise, now and ever. Amen. 



302 Sundey Occasional Peayees. 

a peayer foe sick persons. 
f\ ALMIGHTY, Eternal, Righteous God, and Mer- 
^ ciful Father, Thou who art Lord of life and 
death, and without whose will nothing is done in 
heaven, nor on earth : Although we are not worthy to 
call upon Thy Name, nor to hope that Thou wilt, hear 
us, when we consider how we have hitherto employed 
our time : We beseech Thee, that Thou wilt be pleased 
of Thy mercy to look upon us in the face of Jesus 
Christ, who hath taken all our infirmities on Him. We 
acknowledge that we are utterly incapable of any good, 
and prone to all evil, wherefore we have justly merited 
this punishment, yea, have deserved much more. But, 
Lord, Thou knowest that Ave are Thy people, and. 
Thou art our God : we have no other refuge than in 
Thy mercy, which Thou hast never withheld from 
any one who turned himself to Thee. Therefore we 
beseech Thee not to impute our sins unto us, but ac- 
count the wisdom, righteousness, and holiness of Jesus 
Christ unto us, that we may in Him be able to stand 
before Thee. Deliver us for His sake from these 
sufferings, that the wicked may not think that Thou 
hast forsaken us. And if it be Thy pleasure longer 
thus to try us, give us strength and . patience to bear 



For Sick Persons. 303 

all suffering according to Thy will, and let all turn ac- 
cording to Thy wisdom to our profit. Rather chasten 
us here, than hereafter, to be lost with a sinful world. 
Grant that we may die to this world, and all earthly 
things, and that we may daily more and more be re- 
newed after the image of Jesus Christ. Suffer us 
not by any means to be separated from Thy love ; but 
draw us daily nearer and nearer unto Thee, that we 
may attain unto the end of our calling with joy ; that 
we may die, rise again, and live with Christ in eternity. 
We also believe that Thou wilt hear us through Jesus 
Christ, who hath taught us to pray — Our Father, etc. 
Strengthen us also in the true Faith, which we 
believe in our hearts, and profess with our mouths — I 
believe in God ; etc. 

The Same. 
INTERNAL, Merciful God and Father, the eternal 
-^ salvation of the living, and the everlasting life 
of the dying ; seeing that Thou hast death and life in 
Thy hand alone, and takest such care of us continually, 
that neither health nor sickness, nor any good or evil 
can befall us, nay, not a hair can fall from our head, 
without Thy will: and since Thou dost order all 



304 Sundry Occasional Prayers. 

things for the good of Thy People : We beseech Thee, 
grant us the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, to teach us 
rightly to acknowledge our misery, and patiently to 
bear Thy chastenings, which we have deserved ten 
thousand times more severe. We know that they are 
not the evidences of Thy wrath, but of Thy fatherly 
love towards us, that we should not be condemned 
with the world. Lord, increase our faith in Thine 
infinite mercy, that we may be more and more united 
to Christ, as members to their spiritual Head, to whom 
Thou wilt make us conformable in sufferings and in 
glory. Lighten the cross, so that our weakness may 
be able to bear it. We submit ourselves entirely to 
Thy holy will, whether Thou art pleased to continue 
our souls longer in these tabernacles, or take them into 
eternal life ; since we belong to Christ, and therefore 
shall not perish. We would willingly leave this weak 
body in hope of a blessed resurrection, when it shall 
be restored to us much more glorious. Grant us to 
experience the blessed comforts of the remission of 
sins, and of justification through Christ, that we by 
that shield may overcome all the assaults of Satan. 
May His innocent blood wash away all the stain and 
uncleanness of our sins, and His righteousness answer 



For a Sick Child. 305 

for our unrighteousness in Thy last judgment. Arm 
us with faith and hope, that we may not be ashamed 
nor confounded by the terrors of death. But when our 
bodily eyes are closing in darkness, may the eyes of 
our souls be directed towards Thee : and when Thou 
shalt have deprived us of the use of our tongues, may 
our hearts never cease to call upon Thee. Lord, 
into Thy hands we commit our souls : forsake us not 
in our last extremity ; and that only for the sake of 
Jesus Christ : Who hath taught us to pray — Our 
Father, etc. 

FOR A SICK CHILD. 

f\ ALMIGHTY and most Merciful Father! in 
^ Whose hands are the issues of life and death : 
Look down, we beseech Thee, in compassion, upon the 
sick child for whom our prayers are desired. If it 
be Thy good pleasure, deliver him from his bodily 
sickness, prolong his days upon the earth, enable him 
to live in Thy fear and to Thy glory, and visit him 
with Thy salvation. But if it be Thy will, gracious 
God ! to take his soul at this time out of the world, 
receive him, we pray Thee, into those heavenly 
habitations, where the spirits of all who are in Christ 



306 Sundry Occasional Prayers. 

enjoy perpetual repose and blessedness. Grant this, 
Lord ! for the love of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

EOR A PERSON UNDER AFFLICTION. 

f\ MERCIFUL God and heavenly Father! Who 
^ hast taught us in Thy holy Word that Thou 
dost not willingly afflict the children of men : Look 
with pity, we beseech Thee, upon the sorrows of Thy 
servant, for whom our prayers are desired. In Thy 
wisdom, Thou hast visited him with trouble, and hast 
brought distress upon his soul. Remember him, 
Lord ! in mercy : sanctify Thy fatherly correction 4o 
him ; endue his soul with patience under his affliction, 
and with resignation to Thy blessed will. Comfort 
him with a sense of Thy goodness, and give him 
peace ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

for RAIN. 
f\ GOD, Creator and Governor, Who preservest man 
^ and beast, look, we beseech Thee, on our dry, 
thirsty land ; water it abundantly from Thy river 
which is full of water, and let Thy paths drop fatness, 
that the springing of the earth may be blessed, the 



Foe Fair Weat-her. 307 

fruits thereof be perfect and plentiful, and the year 
crowned with Thy goodness. Spare us, Lord, in 
Thy mercy, and cause Thy people to rejoice because of 
Thy bounty. Shed forth Thy Holy Spirit on Thy 
Churches, that Thy heritage may be confirmed and 
Thy word be fruitful abundantly, for the glory of Thy 
holy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

FOR FAIR WEATHER. 

f\ GOD of love and compassion, Who of old didst set 
^ Thy bow in the cloud for a token of a covenant 
between Thee and the earth, we humble ourselves be- 
fore Thee on account of our sins, and acknowledge Thy 
chastisement to be just. Yet spare us, Lord. Stay 
the excess of rain, and cause Thy sun to shine, that, 
the hope of harvest being fulfilled, our barns may be 
stored with Thy bounty, and our souls rejoice in Thee. 
Above all, Lord, grant that the Sun of Righteous- 
ness may arise upon us with healing in His wings, and 
Thy people, walking all the day in the light of Thy 
countenance, in Thy righteousness may be exalted. 
Do this, Father of mercies, for the sake of Thy Sod 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



308 Sundey Occasional Prayers. 

for peace. 
f\ GOD of peace, Who didst send unto us messages 
^ of peace by Thy Son, the Prince of peace, and 
commandest us to be at peace with all men, we entreat 
Thee to save us from quarrel, bloodshed, and war. 
Still the tumult of the people as Thou dost the raging 
of the sea.* Disappoint the devices of the wicked, 
and bring their machinations to naught. Fill our 
hearts and the hearts of all men with Thy love, that 
so we may dwell in safety under the wings of Thy 
Holy Spirit, and have peace with God through our 
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

IN TIME OF PESTILENCE. 

f\ GOD, we are consumed by Thine anger, and by 
^ Thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast seen that 
our iniquities are great, and Thou hast sent the angel 
of death to smite us sorely. Oh, vex us no more in 
Thy displeasure, but by Thy Holy Spirit turn our 
hearts and the hearts of all our people to Thy right- 
eous ways, that so Thou mayest repent Thee of the 
evil, and our lives may be prolonged for the honour of 

* In time of war may be here inserted : 

Give us not over into the hands of our enemies, but defend us, and grant us 
the victory, which is in Thine band. 



For the Absent from Home. 309 

Thy blessed Name. Yet, Lord, "whatsoever Thou hast 
in store for us of good or of evil, give us grace to trust 
our souls in Thy keeping, and to praise Thee with hu- 
mility and with fear, that, whether we live or die, we 
may be Thine, and at last find an abundant entrance 
into life eternal, through Him who died for us and 
rose again. Amen. 

FOR THE ABSENT FROM HOME. 

f\ GOD, Who art everywhere present, ruling the sea 
^ and the land, we entreat Thee for [him, her, or 
those,] now absent from us. Rescue them from peril, 
from sickness, from sin, and from death. Cover them 
as with a shield, and sanctify their experience of Thy 
mercy to their eternal profit and joy. In due time 
restore them to their homes, and keep them and us 
through the journey of this life, that we all may reach 
our Father's house in peace, through His grace Who 
hath opened the kingdom of heaven to all that believe 
on His holy Name. Amen. 



¥ 



A THANKSGIVING FOR RAIN. 

E thank Thee, God, in Whose hand are all 
things, that Thou hast heard our prayers, and 



810 Sundry Occasional Peayees. 

hast sent us abundant rain. Continue, Lord, to shed 
down the riches of Thy bounty, that our valleys may 
be covered with corn, and the pastures rejoice. Grant 
also, for Thy Name's sake, that our grateful hearts, 
ever mindful of Thy love, may evermore praise Thee 
with holy gratitude, reverence, and obedience, for Je- 
sus Christ's sake. Amen. 

A THANKSGIVING FOE FAIE WEATHEE. 

f\ GRACIOUS and most compassionate Lord God, 
^ we have humbled ourselves under Thy righteous 
pleasure, and trembled under Thine afflictive will. 
Thou hast restored unto us the light of hope, and stayed 
the overflowing of rain. Thy sunshine is upon the 
earth, and the world is full of Thy healthful light. 
Perfect that which Thou hast most mercifully pre- 
served, and let the fields yield their increase. Shine 
within our hearts, that we may show forth the fruits 
of a Christian, faithful, and contented life, through Him 
whom Thou lovest. Amen. 



o 



A THANKSGIVING FOE HAEVEST. 

GOD, Who hast said that whatsoever a man sow- 
eth he shall also reap, we heartily thank Thee foi 



Thanksgiving for Deliverance. 311 

Thy blessing on the labours of the husbandmen, and 
that a good harvest has been gathered. May we who 
live by Thy bounty, live to Thy praise, and our souls 
be preserved from pride or forgetfulness of Thee, who 
feedest Thy children with the finest of the wheat. 
Remember the poor, and cause us to remember them. 
Speedily gather to Thyself a harvest of praise from all 
nations and all the earth, that the good seed of the 
Word sown in Thy Name may bear fruit abundantly 
to Thine eternal glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



a thanksgiving for deliverance from pesti- 
lence. 

T1 ATHER of Mercies, Who desirest not the death of 
-*- the sinner, we thank Thee most humbly and 
heartily that Thou -hast been pleased of Thine infinite 
compassion to hear our prayers, and favourably to regard 
Thy suppliant and sorrowing people. Thou hast with- 
drawn from the midst of us the desolating plague. 
Oh, that we which remain alive may present unto 
Thee our whole bodies as a continual thank-offering, 
which is our reasonable service. Remember Thy 
promise unto the widow and the orphan, bind up the 



312 Sundry Occasional Praters. 

broken in heart, and comfort all that mourn, for the 
sake of Him who died for us and rose again. Amen. 

a thanksgiving for a safe return home. 
TT7~E thank Thee, God of our mercies, that Thou 
v " hast restored our brother to his home safe from 
the perils of the way. The earth is Thine ; the sea 
also is Thine : and Thou hast not suffered him to per- 
ish in a strange land nor to sink in the mighty waters. 
May the goodness of God lead him to a more hearty 
repentance, and his soul ever rejoice in Thee until he 
reaches our Father's house, where there is fulness of 
joy in Thine eternal presence, through Christ our Re- 
deemer. Amen. 

a prayer to be used at sea. 
A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, Who alone 
-*-■*- commandest the winds and the waves, and they 
obey Thee : we Thine unworthy and sinful creatures, 
separated upon the sea from the dwellings of men, 
would humbly address to Thee our prayers. We 
confess our manifold transgressions and wickedness ; 
and implore Thy mercy and forgiving grace through 
Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. We worship 






Prayers to be used at Sea. 313 

Thee, God ; and beholding Thy works and Thy 
wonders in the deep, magnify and exalt Thy great and 
holy Name : and ascribe unto Thee all dominion and 
majesty and glory for ever and ever. May Thy fear 
ever fall upon us, Lord, and Thine excellence make 
us suitably afraid. We give thanks unto Thee for Thy 
goodness and loving-kindness to us, notwithstanding 
our guilt, and the magnitude of our sins : and would 
call upon our souls to bless and praise Thy holy Name, 
for Thine upholding mercy and preserving care. 
Vouchsafe unto us, Lord, the continued defences and 
blessings of Thy Providence. Spare us Thy just judg- 
ments ; shield us from dangers seen and unseen : 
prosper us on our way, and bring us to our destined 
haven. Above all, grant unto us, heavenly Father, 
the abundant influence of Thy Holy Spirit, to enlighten 
our minds in the knowledge of Thy Truth, to purify 
our hearts from indwelling sin, and to work in us both 
to will and to do of Thy good pleasure. Grant unto 
us repentance and the remission of sin, and that faith 
which is the gift of God : that we may bring forth 
unto Thee, in our hearts and lives, the peaceable fruits 
of righteousness. Forbid, Lord our God, that we 

should make shipwreck of the soul ; but being guided 
14 



314 Sundry Occasional Prayers. 

and guarded by Thy good Spirit, may we finish the 
voyage of life in safety, and find entrance at last into 
the haven of eternal rest, through Jesus m Christ our 
Lord : To Whom, with Thee the Father, and the Holy 
Ghost, be glory everlasting. Amen. 

A PRATER for the president of the united 
states, and all in civil authority. 

f\ LORD, our Heavenly Father, the high and mighty 
^ Ruler of the universe, Who dost from Thy throne 
behold all the dwellers upon earth : most heartily we 
beseech Thee, with Thy favour to behold and bless 
Thy servant, the President of the United States, and 
all others in authority ; and so replenish them with 
the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may always in- 
cline to Thy will, and walk in Thy way. Endue them 
plenteously with heavenly gifts ; grant them in health 
and prosperity long to live ; and finally, after this life, 
to attain everlasting joy and felicity, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE COLLECTS. 



ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast 
away the works of darkness, and put upon us the 
armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in 
which Thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us with 
great humility : that in the last day, when He shall 
come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the 
quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, 
through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and 
the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen. 

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scrip- 
tures to be written for our learning : Grant that 
we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and 
inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of 
Thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast 
the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast 
given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 



o 



LORD Jesus Christ, who at Thy first coming 
didst send Thy messenger to prepare Thy way 



316 The Collects. 

before Thee : Grant that the ministers and stewards of 
Tli j mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready 
Thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to 
the wisdom of the just, that at Thy second coming to 
judge the world, we may be found an acceptable peo- 
ple in Thy sight; who livest and reignest with the 
Father and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world with- 
out end. Amen. 

OLORD, who hast given us cause of perpetual joy 
by the coming of Thy Son our Saviour among 
us : Raise up Thy power, we pray Thee, and possess 
us with a mighty sense of Thy wonderful love ; that 
whereas through the cares of this life we are sorely let 
and hindered in running the race that is set before us, 
we may be careful for nothing, but thankfully com- 
mending ourselves in every thing to Thtj- bountiful 
grace and mercy, the peace of Thee our God, which 
passeth all understanding, may keep our hearts and 
minds, through the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord, 
to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour 
and glory, world without end. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us Thine Only- 
begotten Son, the brightness of Thy glory, and 
the express image of Thy person, to take our nature 
upon Him, and to be born of a pure Virgin : Grant 



The Collects. 317 

that we, being regenerate, and made Thy children by 
adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy 
Spirit ; till Christ be perfectly formed in us, and we 
be made partakers of a Divine nature, through the 
same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth 
with Thee and the same Spirit, ever One God, world 
without end. Amen. 



GRANT, Lord, that in all our sufferings here 
upon earth for the testimony of Thy Truth, we 
may stedfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold 
the glory that shall be revealed ; and, being filled with 
the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our per- 
secutors, by the example of Thy first martyr, Saint 
Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to Thee, 
blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God, 
to succour all those that suffer for Thee, our only Me- 
diator and Advocate. Amen. 



MERCIFUL God, who art light, and in whom is no 
darkness at all : Enlighten our minds, we most 
humbly beseech Thee, with such a full understanding 
of the doctrine taught by Thy blessed Apostle and 
Evangelist John, that we, walking in the truth in all 
purity and holiness of life, may have fellowship with 
Thee and Thy Son Jesus Christ : by whose blood being 



318 The Collects. 

cleansed from all our sins, we may at length attain to 
everlasting life ; through the same our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

OMOST Blessed God, who having sent Thy Son 
in our nature, didst preserve Him in His in- 
fancy from the malice of Herod, by whom many other 
children were slain : Grant that in all dangers and ad- 
versities we may put our whole trust and confidence 
in Thee ; and do Thou by Thy good providence pre- 
serve us from the rage of unreasonable and wicked 
men, or strengthen us by patient sufferings to glorify 
Thy holy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given Thine Only 'be- 
gotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and 
be born of a pure Virgin : Grant that we, being re- 
generate, and made Thy children by adoption and 
grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit, 
which we beseech Thee to send forth more and more 
into our hearts, as a testimony of Thy fatherly love 
unto us, and to fill us with fervent love towards Thee : 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who madest Thy Blessed Son to 
be circumcised, and obedient to the law for 



The Collects. 319 

man : Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit; 
that our hearts, and all our members, being mortified 
from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things 
obey Thy holy will, and obtain the remission of our 
sins, and the righteousness which is by the faith of 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



OGOD, who by the leading of a star didst mani- 
fest Thine Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, 
and guide them to the place where He lay : Mercifully 
grant that we, to whom Thou hast revealed Him more 
clearly by the light of Thy glorious Gospel, may make 
such progress in faith and holiness, and be so entirely 
led and governed by Thy Spirit, that we may be 
brought after this life into that blessed place where He 
now is, and there have the fruition of Thy glorious 
presence for ever and ever, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

OGOD, whose infinite mercies in our blessed Sav- 
iour encourage us to call upon Thee : We 
beseech Thee graciously to hear us ; and grant that 
we may both perceive and know what is Thy good, 
and acceptable, and perfect will revealed to us, and 
also have grace and power so faithfully to fulfil the 
same, that we may present ourselves a living sacrifice, 



320 The Collects. 

holy and acceptable unto Thee, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who dost govern 
all things in heaven and earth : Mercifully hear 
the supplications of Thy people ; and so rule and guide 
us, that we may do our duties faithfully in our several 
places and relations ; constantly abhorring that which 
is evil, and cleaving to that which is good; being 
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, 
patient in tribulation, and continuing instant in 
prayer ; so that we may enjoy Thy peace all the days 
of our life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, mercifully look 
upon our infirmities, and endue us with the 
spirit of meekness and patience ; that no evil we suffer 
from others may move us to do evil unto them, but 
that we may overcome them by doing them good ; and 
if it be possible, as much as lieth in us, live peaceably 
with all men. And in all our dangers and adver- 
sities, stretch forth Thy hand to help and defend us ; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

0GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst 
of so many and great temptations and dangers, 
that by reason of the frailty of our nature in many 



The Collects. 321 

things we offend all : Grant to us such strength and 
protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry 
us through all temptations ; that, being faithful unto 
Thee, rendering unto all their due, and doing that 
which is good, we may be graciously accepted of Thee ; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



OLORD, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Church 
and household continually in Thy true religion ; 
and to stir up every member of the same to adorn 
Thy holy profession, by putting on bowels of mercy, 
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffer- 
ing ; that, resting only upon the hope of Thy heavenly 
grace, and doing all in the Name of our blessed 
Saviour, we may evermore be defended by Thy 
mighty power, giving thanks unto Thee ; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OGOD, whose Blessed Son was manifested that 
He might destroy the works of the devil, and 
make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life: 
Grant us, we beseech Thee, that having this hope, 
we may purify ourselves, even as He is pure; that 
when He shall appear again with power and great 
glory, we may be made like unto Him in His eternal 
and glorious Kingdom; where, with Thee, Father, 
14* 



322 The Collects. 

and Thee, Holy Ghost, He liveth and reignethj 
ever One God, world without end. Amen. 

OLORD, we beseech Thee favourably to hear the 
prayers of Thy People ; that we, who by Tlrv 
grace are called to the course of a Christian life, may 
be temperate in all things ; and so run the race that 
is set before us, as to obtain that incorruptible crown 
which Thou hast promised to them that love Thee ; 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and 
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One 
God, world without end. Amen. 



OLORD, who seest that we put not our trust in 
anything that we do : Mercifully grant that by 
Thy power we may be defended against all adver- 
sities ; or so mightily aided by Thy grace, that we 
may not faint under them ; but having heard Thy 
holy Word with honest and good hearts, we may keep 
it, and bring forth fruit with patience, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OLORD, who hast taught us that all our doings 
without charity are nothing worth ■ Send Thy 
Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most ex- 
cellent gift of charity, which is humble, meek, kind, 



The Collects. 323 

long-suffering and patient, the very bond of peace and 
of all virtues : Grant this for Thine Only Son Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who hatest 
nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive 
the sins of all them that are penitent : Create and 
make in us new and contrite hearts ; that we, truly 
lamenting our sins, with unfeigned sorrow and abhor- 
rence, and acknowledging our wretchedness with sin- 
cere resolution of amendment of life, may obtain of 
Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and for- 
giveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



OLOBD, who for our sakes didst fast forty days 
and forty nights, and vanquish all the tempta- 
tions of the devil by which our first parents were over- 
come : Grant that we may not receive the grace of 
God in vain, but use such abstinence, that our flesh 
being subdued to the spirit, no desire of pleasure, 
glory, or worldly advantage may tempt us from our 
duty ; but that we may ever obey Thy godly motions, 
in righteousness and true happiness, to Thine honour 
and glory, who liVest and reignest with the Father 
and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. 
Amen. 



324 The Collects. 

ALMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power 
of ourselves to help ourselves : Keep us both out- 
wardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls ; that 
we may be defended from all adversities which may 
happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which 
may assault and hurt the soul ; and as we have re- 
ceived how we ought to walk and please Thee, so may 
we abound more and more; through our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

¥E beseech Thee, Almighty God, look down upon 
the hearty desires of Thy humble servants, and 
as Thou hast enlightened us with the knowledge of 
Thy truth, so enable us to walk as children of the 
light, and to have no fellowship with the unfruitful 
works of darkness ; that bringing forth the fruits of 
the Spirit, in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, 
we may be ever under Thy Divine protection ; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast made a covenant of 
unspeakable grace and mercy with us in Christ 
Jesus, and conveyed to us therein an heavenly inherit- 
ance upon sincere obedience to His commands, which 
is our reasonable service : Grant that we may evermore 
rejoice in Thee, and walk worthy of our holy calling ; 
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 



The Collects. 325 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast sent Thy Son Jesus 
Christ to be an High Priest of good things to 
come, and by His own blood to enter in once into the 
holy place, having obtained an eternal redemption for 
us : Mercifully look upon Thy people ; that by the same 
blood of our Saviour, who through the Eternal Spirit 
offered Himself without spot unto Thee, our consciences 
may be purged from dead works, to serve Thee the 
living God, that we may receive the promise of eternal 
inheritance ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

4 LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who of Thy ten- 
-£*- der love towards mankind hast sent Thy Son, 
our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh, 
and that in the form of a servant, and to suffer death, 
even the death of the Cross, for our redemption, and 
that we should follow the example of His great hu- 
mility, patience, and obedience : Mercifully grant that 
this mind may be in us which was also in Christ Jesus, 
that we may both follow the example of His humble 
obedience and patient suffering, and also be made par- 
takers of His glorious resurrection, to live with Thee 
for ever. Grant this for the sake of Thy Son our 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amex. 



ALMIGHTY God, the Father of Mercies, we be- 
seech Thee graciously to hear the prayers of 



326 The Collects. 

Thy Church, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was 
content to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of 
wicked men, and to suffer death upon the Cross ; and 
according to that new covenant, which He sealed there 
with His precious blood, put Thy laws into all our 
hearts, and write "them in our minds ; and then remem- 
ber our sins and iniquities no more ; for the sake of 
Him, who when He had offered one sacrifice for sin, 
for ever sat down on Thy right hand, and now liveth 
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One 
God, world without end. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, by whose Spirit 
the whole body of the Church is governed and 
sanctified : Receive our supplications and prayers, 
which we offer before Thee for all estates of men in 
Thy holy Church ; that all the members of the same, 
drawing near unto Thee with a true heart and in full 
assurance of faith, having their souls and bodies puri- 
fied from all uncleanness, may hold fast the profession 
of their faith without wavering-; and in their vocation 
and ministry truly and godlily serve Thee, through our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 



o 



MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and 
hatest nothing that Thou hast made, nor would- 
est the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be 






The Collects. 327 

converted and live : Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, 
Infidels, and Heretics ; make known Thy blessed 
Gospel unto them ; take from them all ignorance, 
hardness of heart, and contempt of Thy Word ; work 
a lively faith in them ; and so bring them home, blessed 
Lord, to Thy flock, that they may be saved among the 
remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold 
under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth 
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, One Cod, 
world without end. Amen. 

BLESSED Lord, whose only Son our Saviour Jesus 
Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just 
for the unjust, that He might bring us to Thee our 
God : We beseech Thee, that as we are baptized into 
His death, so by continually mortifying our corrupt 
affections we may be buried with Him ; and at last 
through the grave, and gate of death, pass to our joy- 
ful resurrection : For His merits, who died, and was 
buried, and rose again, Thy Son Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who by the resurrection of Thine 
Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, hast overcome 
death, and opened to us the gate of everlasting life : 
We humbly beseech Thee, that as by Thy special grace 
preventing us, Thou dost put into our minds good de- 



328 The Collects, 

sires, so by Thy continual help we may stedfastly set 
our hearts upon those things which are above : that 
when Christ, who is our Life, shall appear, we may 
also appear with Him in glory, where He now liveth 
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One 
God, world without end. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY Father, who hast given Thine only Son 
to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justi- 
fication : Increase and strengthen our faith in Thee, 
and in Thy Son whom Thou hast sent ; that so be- 
lieving in Him, we may overcome the world, and at- 
tain unto eternal life . Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given Thine only Son 
to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an 
example of godly life : Give us grace that we may 
always most thankfully receive that His most inesti- 
mable benefit ; and also daily endeavour to follow the 
blessed steps of His most holy life : that dying unto 
sin, and living unto righteousness, we may at last ob- 
tain eternal life : Through the same Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY God, who showest to them that be in 
error the light of Thy truth, to the intent that 



The Collects. 329 

they may return into the way of righteousness : Grant 
unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of 
Christ's religion, that as strangers and pilgrims they 
may abstain from fleshly lusts, and follow all such 
things as are agreeable to their holy profession; 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the 
unruly wills and affections of sinful men : Grant 
unto us Thy people, that we- may love the things which 
Thou commandest, and desire that which Thou dost 
promise ; that so, among the sundry and manifold 
changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be 
fixed, where true joj-s are to be found : Through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast blessed the earth, that 
it should be fruitful, and bring forth every 
thing that is necessary for the life of man, and hast 
commanded us to work with quietness, and eat our 
own bread : Bless us in all our labours, and grant us 
such seasonable weather that we may gather in the 
fruits of the earth, and ever rejoice in Thy goodness, 
to the praise of Thy holy Name : Through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



o 



GOD, the King of Glory, who hast exalted Thy 
Son Jesus Christ with great triumph into the 



330 The Collects. 

kingdom of heaven : Grant, we beseech Thee, that we 
may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with 
Him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth, with 
Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without 
end. Amen. 

0GOD, the King of Glory, who hast exalted Thine 
only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto 
Thy Kingdom in heaven, and yet didst not leave 
Thine Apostles comfortless : Youchsafe, we beseech 
Thee, to give us Thy Holy Spirit to guide and com- 
fort us ; that, being sober, and watching unto prayer, 
and above all things having fervent charity among 
ourselves, we may be exalted into the same place 
whither our Saviour Christ is gone before : Who 
liveth and reigneth, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 
One God, world without end. Amen. 

ETERNAL God, who, according to Thy faithful 
promise, didst send the Holy Ghost on the day 
of Pentecost : Grant us by the same Spirit to have 
a right judgment in all things, and evermore to re- 
joice in His holy comfort : Through the merits of 
Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth 
with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, world 
without end. Amen. 



The Collects. 331 

HOLY, holy, hoi j, Lord God' Almighty ! Thou art 
•worthy to receive glory, and honour, and power : 
for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure 
they are and were created. Blessed he Thy Divine 
Majesty, who hast given us Thy servants grace, by 
the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory 
of the eternal Trinity, and to worship one God, 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. "We beseech Thee 
that Thou wouldst keep us stedfast in this faith, and 
in holiness of life : and give us grace to walk worthy 
of Thee : Who livest and reignest ever one God, 
world without end. Amen. 

OGOD, the strength of all them that put their 
trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers ; 
and because through the weakness of our mortal na- 
ture we can do no good thing without Thee, grant us 
the help of Thy grace : that we, stedfastly believing 
in Thy Son Jesus Christ, and loving one another as 
He hath given us commandment, may please Thee 
both in will and deed : through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



o 



LORD, who never failest to help and govern 
those whom Thou dost bring up in Thy stedfast 
fear and love : Keep us, we beseech Thee, under the 
protection of Thy good providence, and make us to 



332 The Collects. 

have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name : 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OGOD of all grace, who hast called us into Thine 
eternal glory by Christ Jesus : We beseech 
Thee mercifully to hear the prayers, which with 
hearty desires we make unto Thee ; and grant that 
we, being clothed with humility, and casting all our 
care on Thee, may be sober and vigilant, and continu- 
ing stedfast in the faith, may resist all the temptations 
of the devil, and at length obtain the crown of life ■ 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OGOD, who hast taught us that the sufferings of 
this present time are not worthy to be compared 
with the glory that shall be revealed in us : Increase 
and multiply upon us Thy mercy ; that Thou being 
our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things 
temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. 
Grant this, Heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OLORD, whose eyes are over the righteous, and 
Thine ears open to their prayers : We most 
humbly beseech Thee to make us all of one mind, hav- 
ing compassion one of another, loving as brethren, 
being pitiful and courteous, eschewing all evil in word 



The Collects. 333 

and deed, and doing good, seeking peace with all men ; 
so that we may attain that pea^e which passeth all 
understanding ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 



OGOB, who hast prepared for them that love Thee 
such good thiDgs as pass man's understanding : 
Pour into our hearts such love toward Thee, that we, 
loving Thee above all things, may obtain Thy 
promises, which exceed all that we can desire; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

LORD of all power and might, who art the Author 
and Giver of all good things : Graft in our hearts 
the love of Thy Name ; increase in us true religion ; 
nourish us with all goodness ; and of Thy great mercy 
keep us in the same ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

MOST Gracious God, who hast given us the spirit 
of adoption, whereby we call Thee our Father : 
Grant that we, mortifying the deeds of the body, and 
being led by Thy Holy Spirit, may live as becomes 
Thy children, and joint heirs with Christ ; and finally 
be glorified together with Him : Who liveth and 
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, 
world without end. Amen. 



334 The Collects. 

OGOD, who hast in Thy Holy Word set before us 
Thy righteous judgments upon Thine ancient 
people the Jews, for our admonition and example : 
Preserve us by Thy grace from all those sins by which 
they provoked Thy wrath against them ; and never 
suffer us to be tempted above what we are able, but 
make a way for us to escape the temptation, or enable 
us to bear it ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

OGOD, who wast pleased to bestow great diversity 
of spiritual gifts for the first planting of Thy 
Church : We beseech Thee still to pour out such a 
measure of Thy Holy Spirit upon every member of the 
same, as may be for the profit and edification of the 
whole Body, united together in love by one and the 
same Spirit : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Am ex. 



OGOD, who hast brought life and immortality to 
light by the Gospel, and hast begotten us again to 
a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from 
the dead : Make us stedfast and immoveable in this 
faith, always abounding in the w T ork of the Lord : Who 
died for our sins, and rose again, and now liveth and 
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, 
world without end. Amen. 



The Collects. 335 

OMOST Merciful Fattier, who by the glorious min- 
istration of the Spirit hast given us a clear reve- 
lation of Thy will in the Gospel of Thy Son : We be- 
seech Thee to enlighten our minds, that we may rightly 
understand it and duly value it, and frame our lives 
according to it, to Thine honour and glory : Through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ETERNAL God, who hast called all nations to be 
one by faith in Christ Jesus : Grant that we who 
are baptized into Him may so faithfully serve Thee in 
this life, that we fail not finally to attain Thy heavenly 
promises : Through the merits of Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, we beseech Thee, 
enable us more and more to mortify the flesh, 
with the affections and lusts thereof, and to bring forth 
the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, long-suffer- 
ing, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance : 
that we, loving what Thou dost command, may obtain 
that which Thou dost promise : Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who having made Thy Son Jesus 
Christ perfect through suffering, hast called us 
to be His disciples and followers : Endue us ; we be- 



336 The Collects. 

seech Thee, with the same Spirit which was in Him ; 
that we, being crucified to the world, may patiently 
bear the cross ; and being renewed in our natures in 
righteousness and true holiness, and walking according 
to this rule, peace and mercy may be upon us : 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

GOD, the Father of all, who art above all, through 
all, and in us all : Grant, we pray Thee, that 
Thy grace may always prevent and follow us, that we 
may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are 
called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suf- 
fering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to 
keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace : 
that, being continually given to all good works, we 
may finally attain everlasting joy and felicity : Through 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

OLOKD, who hast enriched us with the knowledge 
of Thy holy Gospel : Grant us grace, we beseech 
Thee, so to wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus 
Christ to judge the world in righteousness, that we may 
withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and 
the devil, and with such pure hearts follow Thee the 
only true God, that we may be confirmed unto the 
end, and be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Amen, 



The Collects. 337 

OGOD, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able 
to please Thee : Mercifully grant, that Thy Holy 
Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, and 
renew us in the spirit of our mind : that putting away 
all bitterness and wrath, anger and malice, and every 
other evil affection, and being kind one to another, 
tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as Thou, 
God, for Christ's sake hast forgiven us, we may com- 
fortably look with an assured hope for the day of re- 
demption from all evils, unto eternal life : Through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

MERCIFUL God, who according to Thy divine 
power hast given us all things pertaining to life 
and godliness : Make us strong in the Lord, in the 
power of His might : that putting on the whole armour 
of God, we may be able to resist all the temptations 
of the devil, praying to Thee always with fervent 
prayer, and watching .thereunto with all perseverance : 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OGOD, who hast set before us many and great ex- 
amples of a holy and heavenly life : Assist us 
by Thy grace to be followers of them, as they were of 
Christ ; that we may not mind earthly things, but 
having our conversation in heaven, may look for the 

Saviour our Lord Jesus Christ, to change our vile 

15 



338 The Collects. 

bodies, and fashion them like unto His glorious Body, 
in which He liveth and reigneth with Thee and the 
Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. 

Amen. 



ETERNAL God, who art faithful and true, and 
according to Thy gracious promises hast raised 
up a glorious Deliverer to us, who is the Lord our 
Righteousness : We beseech Thee to stir up the wills 
of Thy faithful people ; that, bringing forth plenteously 
the fruit of good works, they may be a people prepared 
for the Lord. And we pray Thee, hasten His king- 
dom, when He shall reign, and prosper, and execute 
judgment and justice in all the earth. Grant this for 
Thine infinite mercies' sake in Jesus Christ : To 
Whom, with Thee, Father, and the Holy Ghost, be 
praise eternal. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY God, who didst give such grace unto 
Thy holy Apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily 
obeyed the calling of Thy Son Jesus Christ, and fol- 
lowed Him without delay : grant unto us all. that we, 
being called by Thy holy Word, may forthwith give 
up ourselves obediently to fulfil Thy holy command- 
ments, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



The Collects. 339 

ALMIGHTY and ever living God, who, for the 
greater confirmation of the faith, didst suffer 
Thy holy Apostle Thomas to be doubtful in Thy Son's 
resurrection : Grant us so perfectly, and without any 
doubt, to believe in Thy Son Jesus Christ, that our 
faith in Thy sight may never be reproved. Hear us, 
Lord, through the same Jesus Christ ; to Whom, 
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and 
glory, now and for evermore. Amen. 

OGOD, who through the preaching of the blessed 
Apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the 
Gospel to shine throughout the world : Grant, we be- 
seech Thee, that we, having his wonderful conversion 
in remembrance, may show forth our thankfulness 
unto Thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine 
which he taught, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and ever living God, we humbly be- 
seech Thy Majesty, that as Thine Only -begotten 
Son was presented in the Temple in substance of our 
flesh, so we may be presented unto Thee with pure 
and clean hearts, by the same Thy Son Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



o 



ALMIGHTY God, who into the place of the 
traitor Judas, didst choose Thy faithful servant 



340 The Collects. 

Matthias, to be of the number of the twelve Apostles : 
Grant that Thy Church, being always preserved from 
false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful 
and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

VE beseech Thee, Lord, pour Thy grace into 
our hearts ; that as we have known the incar- 
nation of Thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an 
angel, so by His cross and passion we may be brought 
unto the glory of His resurrection, through the same 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed Thy holy 
Church with the heavenly doctrine of Thine 
Evangelist Mark : give us grace, that being not like 
children carried away with every blast of vain doc- 
trine, we may be established in the truth of Thy holy 
Gospel, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is ever- 
lasting life : Grant us perfectly to know Thy Son 
Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life ; 
that following the steps of Thy holy Apostles, Philip 
and James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that 
leadeth to eternal life, through the same Thy Son 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



The Collects. 341 

OLOED God Almighty, who didst endue Thy 
holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the 
Holy Ghost : leave us not, we beseech Thee, destitute 
of Thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them 
alway to Thine honour and glory, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence Thy servant 
John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to 
prepare the way of Thy Son our Saviour, by preach- 
ing repentance : make us so to follow his doctrine 
and holy life, that we may truly repent according to 
his preaching; and after his. example constantly 
speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently 
suffer for the truth's sake, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY God, who, by Thy Son Jesus Christ, 
didst give to Thine Apostle Saint Peter many 
excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed 
Thy flock : make, we beseech Thee, all Bishops and 
Pastors diligently to preach Thy holy Word, and the 
people diligently to follow the same, that they may re- 
ceive the crown of everlasting glory : Through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



342 The Collects. 

n RANT, Merciful God, that as Thy holy Apostle 
^ James, leaving his father and all that he had, 
without delay was obedient unto the calling of Thy 
Son Jesus Christ, and followed Him : so we, forsaking 
all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore 
ready to follow Thy holy commandments as he did ; and 
with him to lay down our lives for the testimony of 
Thy Truth : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who didst give 
to Bartholomew and the other Apostles grace 
truly to believe and to preach Thy Word, and power 
to confirm it with many signs and wonders : Grant, we 
beseech Thee, unto Thy Church, to love that Word 
which they believed ; and both to preach and receive 
the same : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who by Thy blessed Son didst 
call Matthew from the receipt of custom, to be an 
Apostle and Evangelist : Grant us grace to forsake all 
covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches : and to 
follow the same Thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and 
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, 
world without end. Amen. 



o 



EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained and 
constituted the services of Angels and men in a 



The Collects. 343 

wonderful order : Mercifully grant, that as Thy holy 
Angels alway do Thee service in heaven, so by Thine 
appointment they may succour and defend us on earth ■ 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who didst inspire Luke the 
Evangelist to write in order the Gospel of our 
Lord Jesus Christ : Grant that we, being instructed 
in the certainty thereof, may most surely believe it, 
and conform ourselves to the holy precepts and exam- 
ples of our blessed Lord and Saviour, who liveth and 
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, 
world without end. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast built Thy Church 
upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, 
Jesus Christ Himself being the head Corner-stone : 
Grant us to be so joined together in unity of spirit by 
their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple 
acceptable unto Thee : Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together Thine 
elect in one communion and fellowship, in the 
mystical Body of Thy Son Christ our Lord : Grant us 
grace so to follow Thy blessed Saints in all virtuous 
and godly living, that we may come to those unspeak- 



344 The Collects. 

able joys which Thou hast prepared for those that un- 
feignedly love Thee : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

ASSIST us mercifully, Lord, in these our sup- 
plications and prayers ; and dispose the way of 
Thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting 
salvation : that among all the changes and chances of 
this mortal life, they may ever be defended by Thy 
most gracious and ready help : Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



G1 RANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the 
* words which we have heard this day with our 
outward ears, may, through Thy grace, be so grafted 
inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in 
us the fruit of good living ; to the honour and praise 
of Thy Name : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



DIRECT us, Lord, in all our doings, with Thy 
most gracious favour, and further us with Thy 
continual help : that in all our works begun, continued, 
and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name ; 
and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life : 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



The Collects. 345 

ALMIGHTY God. the fountain of all wisdom, who 
•knowest our necessities before we ask, and our 
ignorance in asking : We beseech Thee to have com- 
passion upon our infirmities ; and those things which 
for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness 
we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness 
of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY God, who hast promised to hear the 
petitions of those that ask in Thy Son's Name : 
We beseech Thee mercifully to incline Thine ear to 
us who have now made our prayers and supplications 
unto Thee ; and grant that those things which we have 
faithfully asked according to Thy will, may effectually 
be obtained ; to the relief of our necessity, and to the 
setting forth of Thy glory : Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



OGOD, Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the Faithful, 
visit, we pray Thee, this congregation with Thy 
love and favour ; enlighten their minds more and 
more with the light of the everlasting Gospel ; graft 
in their hearts a love of the truth ; increase in them 
true religion ; nourish them with all goodness ; and 
of Thy great mercy keep them in the same, blessed 

Spirit : Whom, with the Father and the Son together 
15* 



346 The Collects. 

we worship and glorify as One God, world without 
end. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY God, who hast built Thy Church 
upon the foundation of the Apostles and Proph- 
ets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner-stone : 
Grant that, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, all 
Christians may be so joined together in unity of spirit, 
and in the bond of peace, that they may be an holy 
temple acceptable unto Thee. And especially to this 
congregation present give the abundance of Thy grace ; 
that with one heart they may desire the prosperity of 
Thy holy Apostolic Church, and with one mouth may 
profess the faith once delivered to the Saints. De- 
fend them from the sins of heresy and schism ; let 
not the foot of pride come nigh to hurt them, nor the 
hand of the ungodly to cast them down. And grant 
that the course of this world may be so peaceably or- 
dered by Thy governance, that Thy Church may joy- 
fully serve Thee in all godly quietness : that so they 
may walk in the ways of truth and peace, and at last 
be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting : 
Through Thy merits, blessed Jesus, Thou gracious 
Bishop and Shepherd of our souls, Who art, with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without 
end. Amen. 



The Collects. 347 

GRANT, we beseech Thee, Merciful Lord, to Thy 
faithful people, pardon and peace; that they 
may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve Thee 
with a quiet mind^ through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

OGOD, whose never-failing providence ordereth all 
things both in heaven and earth : we humbly 
beseech Thee to put away from us all hurtful things, 
and to give us those things which are profitable for us, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art always 
more ready to hear than we to pray, and art 
wont to give more than either we desire or deserve : 
pour down upon us the abundance of Thy mercy, for- 
giving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, 
and giving us those good things which we are not wor- 
thy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of 
Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 

OLORD, we beseech Thee, let Thy continual pity 
cleanse and defend Thy Church ; and because 
it cannot continue in safety without Thy succour, 
preserve it evermore by Thy help and goodness, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



348 The Collects. 

LORD, we pray Thee, that Thy grace may always 
prevent and follow us ; and make us continually 
to be given to all good works, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

■ 4 

LORD, we beseech Thee to keep Thy household the 
Church in continual godliness ; that, through 
Thy protection, it may be free from all adversities, 
and devoutly given to serve Thee in good works, to 
the glory of Thy Name, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

OGOD, our refuge and strength, who art the 
author of all godliness : be ready, we beseech 
Thee, to hear the devout prayers of Thy Church ; and 
grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we 
may obtain effectually, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this 
time with one accord to make our common sup- 
plications unto Thee ; and dost promise that when two 
or three are gathered together in Thy Name, Thou 
wilt grant their requests : Fulfil now, Lord, the de- 
sires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most 
expedient for them ; granting us in this world knowl- 
edge of Thy Truth, and in the world to come life ever- 
lasting. Amen. 



APPENDIX 



NOTE, INTRODUCTION, Page xvil 

As it is of some consequence to show that Knox's Liturgy held 
its place in the esteem of the Church down to the time of adopting 
the "Westminster Directory, we give a few of the parallel passages 
referred to in the test, indicating the frequent and special use that 
was made of that Liturgy in the Assembly's production. 

From the Thanksgiving after Baptism : 



Knox's Liturgy. 

. . . "We give Thee most humble 
thanks for Thine infinite goodness, 
■which hast not only numbered us 
amongst Tliy saints, but also of Thy 
free mercy dost call our children unto 
Thee, marking them with this Sacra- 
ment, as a singular token and seal 
of Thy love 

. . . That Thou wilt confirm this 
Thy favour more and more towards 
us, and take this infant into Thy 
tuition and defence. . . . 



Directory. 

. . . Acknowledging with all thank- 
fulness . . . that He is good and gra- 
cious, not only that Re numbereth us 
among His saints, but is pleased also 
to bestow upon our children this sin- 
gular token and badge of His love 
in Christ. . . . 

. . . and daily confirm more and 
more this His unspeakable favour : 
that He would receive the infant now 
baptized . . . into His fatherly tuition 
and defence. . . . 



From the Exhortation at the Lord's Supper : 



... I separate from this Table all 
blasphemers, etc. . . . charging them 
. . . that they presume not to profane 
this most holy Table. 

. . . Neither yet is this pronounced 
against such as aspire to a greater 
perfection than they can in this pre~ 
sent life attain. 



... He is in the name of Christ . . . 
to warn all such . . . that they pre- 
sume not to come to tliat holy Table. 

. . . Invite all that desire to reach 
out unto a greater progress in grace 
than, they can yet attain unto. . . . 



350 Appendix 



From the Consecrating Prayer : , 

Knox's Liturgy. Directory. 

. . . From the bondage whereof . . . From which neither man or 

neither man nor angel was able to angel was able to deliver us. . . . 
make us free. . . . 

... To declare and witness before ... To profess that there is none 

the world, that by Him alone we have other name under heaven by which 

received liberty and life ; . . . that we can be saved, but the namo of 

by Him alone we have entrance to Jesus Christ ; by whom alone we re~ 

the throne of Thy grace; that by ceive liberty and life, have access to 

Him alone we are possessed in our the throne of grace, are admitted to 

spiritual kingdom, to eat and drink eat and drink at His own Table, 

at His Table, etc. etc. 



THE TABLE OF PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE. 

The orderly reading of Scripture in the public services of the 
Sanctuary, has always been enjoined and practised among the Re- 
formed Churches. Not only one portion or chapter from each Tes- 
tament, as prescribed by the Westminster Directory of Worship, 
but generally several chapters, are appointed in the French, Swiss, 
and Waldensian Churches, for the ordinary service of the Lord's 
Day. These lesions are read, not by the officiating ministers, but 
by a clerk, immediately before the commencement of the public 
prayers; and the reading is always concluded with the Ten Com- 
mandments. The early editions of the Scottish Liturgy, or Book 
of Common Order, contain this direction: "Upon the days ap- 
pointed for the preaching of the Word, when a convenient number 
of the Congregation have come together, that they may make fruit 
of their presence till the assembly be full, one, appointed by the El- 
dership, shall read some chapters of the Canonical Books of Scrip- 
ture, singiug Psalms between at his discretion : and this reading to 
be in order, as the books and chapters follow, that so from time to 
time the Holy Scriptures may be read through. But upon special 
occasion, special chapters may be appointed." The same provision, 
in words very similar, was made a century later by the Divines of 
Westminster : who, however, judiciously transferred this part of 
divine worship to a more central location in the service. In the 
selection of portions of Scripture here given, it is not contemplated 



Appendix. 351 

that any should strictly confine themselves to a consecutive course 
of reading, as it will frequently appear advisable to select passages 
more suitable to the time or theme of discourse. But, on ordinary 
occasions, this, or some similar order, will be found convenient and 
profitable. 



THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE OX THE LORD'S DAT. 

Morxixg Service. The first of the Opening Sentences consti- 
tutes the invariable exordium of all the Reformed liturgies. Other 
sentences have been added, with a view to variety. 

The Invitation, which is here put in Scriptural words, reads in 
the Calvinistic formularies, thus : " Brethren, let each of you present 
himself before the Lord, to make an humlle confession of his sins, 
following in heart these words." 

The Confession of Sin, composed by Calvin, occupies this place 
in all the Reformed liturgies, and the variations are but slight and 
merely verbal. 

The Declaration of Forgiveness, in the form of a recital of Gos- 
pel assurances of pardon to the penitent, was used by the early 
Reformed churches in France and elsewhere, at the express recom- 
mendation of Calvin; who, however, for reasons thus stated by 
him, did not introduce this feature into the liturgy of Geneva. 
"There is none of us," says he, :t but must acknowledge it to be 
very useful that, after the general confession, some striking prom- 
ise of Scripture should follow, whereby sinners might be raised to 
hopes of pardon and reconciliation. And I would have introduced 
this custom from the beginning ; but some fearing that the novelty 
of it would give offence, I was over easy in yielding to them." 
The custom was, however, adopted in the church of Strasburg, 
from whose liturgy, prepared under Calvin's auspices, it was imi- 
tated, together with the preceding Sentences, Invitation, and Con- 
fession, by the compilers of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. 

The Supplication is Calvin's Prayer before Sermon; and the 
Thanksgiving which follows it, is by Knox. "With this latter ex- 
ception, all the forms of this Morning Service are from the liturgy 
of the Genevan Reformer. 



352 Appendix. 

Other Forms, for the Morning Service. The Beatitudes, and 
the Summary of our Lord's Precepts, are here given as appropriate 
for occasional use instead of the Decalogue. The succeeding forms 
for the Confession of Sin, are those of Baxter, Knox, and Bucer. 
Of the forms of Thanksgiving, the first is from Baxter, the second 
from the American revision of the Directory of Worship (a. d. 
1787), and the third from the Liturgy of the Waldensian Church. 
The forms of Intercession are those of Knox, Baxter, and the Liturgy 
of Neuchatel (prepared by the Reformed theologian Ostervald). 

Evening Service. The Presbyterian formularies of worship 
impose no special order for the second service on the Lord's Day. 
That service was originally devoted to the catechetical instruction 
of the young ; and the Minister in conducting it was left to entire 
freedom of selection or composition. The prayers here furnished 
are taken from the various Reformed liturgies. The Invocation is 
Calvin's. The Litany, though modelled upon the ancient litanies, 
was prepared, as it here stands, by the Reformer Bucer, from whose 
" Reformation of Doctrine and Worship" it is translated. Eroni this 
form the Litany of the English Prayer-Book is mainly borrowed. 
The Closing Prayer is by Knox. 

Other Forms, for the Evening Service. Baxter is the author 
of both the alternate forms of Invocation here given. It is from 
the Reformed liturgy prepared by that divine, that the several 
prayers attributed to him in this volume are taken. The General 
Prayers which follow, are respectively by Knox and Calvin ; the 
first and fourth by the former, the second and third by the lat- 
ter.' Of the Closing Prayers, one is from Knox's Liturgy, another 
from the Waldensian, and a third from the Reformed Dutch 
hturgy. 



THE MANNER OP CELEBRATING THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

This form of service, established by Calvin, is substantially the 
same with that used at the present day in all the continental 
branches of the Reformed Church. The Consecrating Prayer is 
taken from the present Liturgy of Geneva. The directions for the 
administration are quoted from the Directory of Worship of the 
Presbyterian Church The sentences of Scripture to be repeated 



Appendix. 353 

during the participation, are such as it is customary to pronounce 
on that occasion, in the French and Swiss Churches. 

Of the other forms for this Celebration, the first is from Knox's 
liturgy, the second from Baxter's, and the third from the liturgy 
of the Reformed Dutch Church. 



THE FORM OF ADMINISTERING BAPTISM. 

This is Calvin's formulary, completed by the insertion of the 
questions and covenant engagements required by the Directory of 
Worship ; and by the addition of the closing Thanksgiving, which 
was composed by Knox. 

The other forms of administering this Ordinance, are Knox's, 
Baxter's, and that of the Reformed Dutch Church. From the last 
source is also taken the succeeding Form of Baptizing Adult 
Persons. 

The Form of Admitting Baptized Persons to the Lord's Table, is 
from the Waldensian Liturgy ; the Preface being added from Is. xliv. 
The Benediction, as here given, occurs in the Neuchatel service for 
the same occasion. It forms part of the ordinary form of blessing 
appointed in the Book of Common Prayer ; but is original with Bu- 
cer, in his " Reformation," etc. 

The Reformed Churches recognize no mode of admission to church 
membership, other than by the administration of baptism. In the 
case of adults who have received that rite in infancy, the confirma- 
tion of their baptismal vows is ordinarily performed in public before 
the congregation. 



OCCASIONAL OFFICES. 



Order of Service for a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and 
Prayer. The directions as to this service are quoted, as in all other 
instances so marked, from the Directory of Worship of the Presby- 
terian Church. The selection of Scripture forming the Preface, is 
taken from the French and Genevan Liturgies. The passages indi- 
cated for the First and Second Readings, are those given in the 
Waldensian Liturgy for the same occasion. A selection somewhat 



354 Appendix. 

similar occurs in John Knox's service. The Opening Prayer is 
abridged from Knox's " Treatise of Fasting," drawn up at the re- 
quest of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1565, 
and published with authority. This Treatise, which contains forms 
for the observance of a special season of humiliation throughout the 
land, was in the Assembly of 1569 ratified for all future appoint- 
ments of a similar nature ; and ministers were enjoined " To use the 
Exercise accustomed in the Kirk of the first institution. Moreover, 
that all Superintendents and Commissioners of provinces shall here- 
after institute and use the same Order of Fasting, as oft as just oc- 
casion shall serve and shall seem meet by their godly wisdom, 
without any farther appointment by the General Assembly."* 

The beautiful form of a General Prayer here introduced, was com- 
posed by Calvin for the Church of Geneva, in the year 1541 ; " when 
Germany was infested both with war and pestilence." " Prceca- 
tiones quibus in Us uterentur, conscripsi." — Calv. Ep. Perhaps no 
part of the Calvinistic ritual has obtained a wider currency. Knox 
transferred it to the Book of Common Order. The Puritan Prayer- 
Book published at London about the year 15*70, appoints it to be 
used on a day set apart for Common Prayer. The. Middleburgh 
Liturgy of 1602 presents the same form unaltered. Archbishop 
Grindal adopted it as a form of Prayer and Pasting for the Church 
of England in 1563. The several Erench and Swiss formularies 
contain it under its appropriate head ; and the Reformed Dutch lit- 
urgy, by a strange misplacement, has it as a " Prayer on the Lord's 
Day after sermon." We have adopted Grindal's translation, sup- 
plying from the original a few omissions. 

Order of Service for a Day of Thanksgiving. The prayer 
here given is extracted from the American edition of the Liturgy of 
Neuchatel, as adopted in the Huguenot Church at Charleston, S. C. 



THE OEEICE FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF MARRIAGE. 

This form, chiefly compiled from the ancient Reformed offices, is 
that prepared by the Rev. Dr. Bethune, of Brooklyn, N. T., for 
the revised liturgy of the Reformed Dutch Church. 

* Book of the Universal Kirk of Scotland: Edinburgh, 1839, p. 116. 



Appendix. 355 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 

. The early practice of the Church of Scotland, with respect to the 
Burial of the Dead, has been variously stated. The impression 
seems to prevail, that all external ceremonies were positively for- 
bidden after the Reformation, whether at the church before burial, 
or at the grave. In fact, the First Book of Discipline, a. d. 1560, 
declares, ""We think it most expedient that the dead be conveyed 
to the place of burial with some honest company of the Kirk, 
without either singing or reading ; yea, without any kind of cere- 
mony heretofore used, other than that the dead be committed to 
the grave with such gravity and sobriety, as those that be present 
may seem to fear the judgment of God, and to hate sin, which is 
the cause of death."* 

But the Book of Common Order, already published four years 
earlier, and then in force, as it continued to be for a century later, 
had, on the contrary, prescribed, that after the burial, " The Minis- 
ter, if he be present and required, goeth to the church, if it be not 
far off, and maketh some comfortable exhortation to the people 
touching death and resurrection."! 

Among the papers published by the Wodrow Society, in the first 
volume of their Miscellany, is " The Form and Manner of Burial 
used in the Kirk of Montrose." This interesting document was 
found written on the fly-leaves of a manuscript copy of the Regiam 
Majestatem, which had been transcribed by John Bannatyne, in 
1620. The form of burial is without date; but from the mention 
of " Minister or Reader" it was evidently in use before the year 
1581, when the office of Reader was superseded by act of General 
Assembly. 

This order of service is very simple. It is prefaced thus: " The 
body being reverently brought to the grave, accompanied with the 
congregation, the Minister or Reader shall say as follows.";}: Then 
a long address, beginning, " Dearly beloved, when we look upon 
this dead corpse here present, with consideration that the like sen- 
tence of death is pronounced of God upon all flesh, it ought and 
should imprint in our minds the knowledge of our sinfulness : for, 
if we were without sin, death should have no power over us." The 

* Dunlop's Collection of Confessions, vol. ii. p. 597. 

t Id., vol ii. p. 4G8. $ We have modernized the spelling. 



356 Appendix. 

exhortation is closed with a prayer, introduced in these words- 
" This being done, the Minister shall pray in effect as follows." 
The prayer is almost identical with that of the English Burial Ser- 
vice, introduced at the time of the revision in 1552, and beginning, 
H Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of them that depart 
from this life in the faith of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ," etc. 

This ancient service closes with a remarkable Funeral Hymn ; 
one of those spiritual songs which are attributed to John "Wedder- 
burn of Dundee and his brothers, and which are said to have great- 
ly assisted in advancing the Reformation. It begins, — 

" Our brother late we put in grave, 
And no doubt thereof bat* we have ; 
But he shall rise at Doomesday, 
And shall immortal live for aye."f 

The Liturgies of the Reformed Churches on the Continent, sup- 
ply us with few examples of a service for Burial. The danger of 
superstitious observances, at the period when those formularies 
were compiled, deterred Calvin and others from furnishing any 
prescribed order. It has always been customary to consecrate the 
last offices at the grave with prayer : but for even this, the Trench 
liturgy gives no form. 

Martin Bucer was the author of a service for the Burial of the 
Dead, which is to be found in Herman's Reformation of Cologne. 
This service the English Reformers partly followed. The selections 
of Scripture, from St. John xi., Psalm xc, and 1 Cor. xv., are there 
indicated. But Bucer's form possesses a merit of adaptation which 
is wanting to that of the Anglican Church ; for, in addition to the 
services for adults, there is an " Alia Concio in Funere Adokscentis, 
vel Adolesceniulce." The Anglican words of sepulture are taken 
from Bucer's " Postquam sic visum est Omnipotenti Deo, ut hunc 
fratrem nostrum pro su& misericordia ex hoc mundo sublatum ad 
se reciperet," etc. 

The present Form of Burial is borrowed from the revision of the 
Reformed Dutch liturgy, prepared by a committee under appoint- 
ment of the General Synod. The selection of Scripture is the best 
that we have seen. Three services are provided for : a short one 

* Grief. (?) 

t Miscellany of the Wodrow Society, Edinburgh, 1844, vol. i. pp. 291-300. 



Appendix. 357 

at the house, a principal one at the church, and a form of inter- 
ment. The several portions of Scripture provided, are appropriate 
to various ages and circumstances. The prayer concluding the 
service at the church, is from Jeremy Taylor ; it has been intro- 
duced into the American edition of the Book of Common Prayer. 



PUBLIC DISCIPLINE, ORDINATION, ETC. 

The Forms of Public Discipline. The manner of proceeding 
with persons subject to ecclesiastical discipline is here detailed, as 
prescribed by the Directory of "Worship ; and the form of public 
excommunication is quoted from the same authority. The address 
is from Knox's Book of Common Order, and the prayers from the 
Beformed Dutch liturgy. 

The Forms of Ordination are compiled from the Directory and 
the Reformed Dutch liturgy ; with the exception of the Ordaining 
Prayer, page 242, extracted from " The Form and Order of the 
Election of the Superintendent ; which may serve in Electing of all 
other Ministers ; at Edinburg, the 9th of March, 1569: John Knox 
being Moderator." 



SCRIPTURAL AND OTHER OCCASIONAL PRATERS. 

Scriptural Praters. Nothing can be more commendable than 
the use of Scripture language in prayer ; but that use should be 
reverent and judicious. The violent disseverance of passages of 
Holy "Writ from their proper connection ; their forced application 
to irrelevant topics; the confusion of Oriental metaphors and 
poetic allusions : are defects too obvious for indication, yet apparent 
to a very wide extent in the " unwritten liturgy" of our pulpits. 
The language of the New Testament is in general much more suited 
to appropriation for the purposes of public devotion, than that of the 
poetic portions of the Old. In those passages of the Epistles, more 
particularly, where the inspired writer expresses with distinctness 
the subject of his own supplications, we are furnished with ma- 
terial that may very properly be restored, from the form of narra- 
tive, to that of direct address, and so employed in our own devo- 



358 Appendix. 

tions. In fact, by a combination of such passages, along with 
that divine prayer left us by our Lord, we possess an Inspired Lit- 
urgy, conceived, " not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, 
but which the Holy G-host teacheth :" a liturgy incomparably com- 
plete and beautiful. It is, therefore, just matter of surprise, that such 
a use of Scripture petitions, in their natural sequence and designed 
application, should not have been recommended, in preference to 
an artificial "method of prayer" which has the sanction of such high 
names as Henry and Doddridge, and which consists in the agglom- 
eration of a vast number of distinct passages, brought into strange 
juxtaposition, in utter disregard of all the unities, and in utter vio- 
lation of all rules of taste. 

The Scriptural Prayers here given are chiefly from those pas- 
sages in the Apostolic writings, where an address to the Throne of 
Grace is expressed ; the only change being in substituting, as the 
object addressed, the second person for the third. The exceptions 
are, the forms of Confession, taken from the penitential Psalms, and 
from the prayer of Daniel ; and the forms of Adoration, being con- 
structed of passages that occur in Nehemiah, 1 Chronicles, and the 
Revelations. 

A Comprehensive Pratee, chiefly in the words of Scripture. 
This form of Adoration, Confession, Supplication, Thanksgiving, 
and Intercession, is quoted in full from the Draught of the Direc- 
tory of Worship of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, 
prepared in the year 1787 by a committee under appointment of 
the Synod. This Draught, though printed, and strongly recom- 
mended for adoption, was not accepted. It was drawn up by the 
Rev. Drs. John Rodgers, and Alexander Mac "Whorter, and the 
Rev. Messrs. Alexander Miller and James "Wilson ; and was ad- 
vocated, among others, by the late venerable Ashbel Green, D.D. 
While preserving the title of a Directory, this was, in fact, for sub- 
stance and form, a discretionary liturgy, akin to those existing in 
the Continental Churches. 

' Sundry Occasional Prayers. The Morning and Evening 
Prayers are those .of Calvin. These are succeeded by a short but 
most beautiful prayer for all men, extracted from John Norden's 
"Progress of Piety," A. D. 1596. The prayer for Pardon and Help 
is translated from a service-book of the Greek Church. Following 



Appendix 359 

are a number of prayers suited to various occasions, taken from the 
proposed revision of the Reformed Dutch liturgy. The prayer 
"to be used at Sea," has been prepared for this work by the Rev. 
C. S. Stewart, U. S. 1ST. Appended is the prayer for civil authorities, 
from the Protestant Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. 

The Collects are short prayers, adapted to particular occasions, 
and designed to be introduced as may seem convenient, into the 
public services of the Church. Many of these prayers are of very 
early origin ; some of them dating as far back as the year of our Lord 
590, others still older, to the year 494; and a few have been traced 
to the year 483. The Collects here given are taken from the 
Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England, as revised 
in 1689 by the Royal Commissioners appointed in the reign of 
William and Mary. This revision was never completed, and in- 
deed the results of it have but lately become public. Tillotson, 
Patrick, Stillingfleet, Tenisoi, and other eminent divines of the 
day, took a prominent part m the debates. 

The Revised Liturgy of 1689, from which these Collects are 
taken, was prepared with a view to the satisfaction of the non- 
conformists, and the reconciling, as much as possible, of all differ- 
ences between them and the Church of England. To this end, the 
objections and demands which at various times had been offered by 
opponents of the Prayer-Book, were collected, and made the basis 
of a careful revision. It had been a special matter of complaint, 
in reference to the Collects, that many of them were too brief, and 
not sufficiently scriptural, as to thought and expression. In these 
respects, as in others, the Commissioners sought to amend the 
various parts of the Liturgy ; and so liberal and judicious was tho 
course pursued by them, that the eminent nonconformist Calamy 
gave it as his opinion, that their scheme would have brought into 
the Church of England two thirds of the Dissenters. The cer- 
tainty, however, that these changes, though approved by the 
Court, and by a majority of the bishops, would be rejected by the 
lower house of Convocation, prevented an actual adoption of tho 
reforms contemplated by the Royal Commission ; and their work 
remained under seal at Lambeth Palace, until, by order of the 
House of Common^, in 1854. it was published. 



360 



Appendix. 



These Eevised Collects have, therefore, a definite claim upon our 
regard, as prepared by some of the most pious and enlightened of 
the English divines, in express agreement with the views and re- 
quests of their nonconformist brethren. It would seem most fit- 
ting, that, after more than a century and a half, these prayers 
should be incorporated with a collection of the forms of worship 
that are peculiar to the Presbyterian Churches. 






THE END. 



